Developing Institutional Repositories in University Libraries in Anambra State: Prospects and Challenges

The study ascertained the challenges and prospects of developing institutional repositories in University libraries in Anambra State,  Nigeria using survey research design. The sample size for the study comprised 70 library staff in university libraries of Nnamdi Azikiwe  University, Awka and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam drawn using accidental sampling technique. Data were collected using Challenges to Development of Institutional Repository Questionnaire (CDIRQ) and Prospects of Development of  Institutional Repository Questionnaire (PDIRQ) which were validated by three experts in Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,  Awka. In testing the reliability of the instrument, the Cronbach Alpha method was used. Reliability co-efficient values of 0.72 and 0.78  were obtained for CDIRQ and PDIRQ. Data were analyzed using mean. The findings of the study revealed that low bandwidth, poor  funding, poor ICT skills, epileptic power supply, fear of copy right infringement, lack of IRS policy, fear of plagiarism etc are some of the  challenges to the development of institutional repositories in university libraries. The findings of the study further revealed that multiple  storage of institutional scholarly documents in a digital format, acceleration of dissemination of research information, increase in the use  of research output of the students and teaching staff of a university, ease of editing of scholarly information, updating of scholarly  information, amongst others are the prospects of the development of institutional repositories. Based on the findings of the study, it was  recommended that government at all levels should provide adequate funds for the development of institutional repositories in  universities in Anambra state.