Open Access Institutional Repository (OA/IR) Security and Ethical Encounters

Experiences of a Selected University in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The article probes security and ethical issues encountered by the library of the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), Zimbabwe, in the daily operations of its institutional repository (IR). The digital era has resulted in innovative scholarly publishing and communication models that are transforming the teaching, learning, and research landscape on a global scale. The study employed a qualitative approach to generate descriptive data on security and ethical challenges experienced at the BUSE library. Research data were collected through document analysis of existing library reports, reports from the library’s information and communication technology (ICT) staff, and focus group discussions. The research population was drawn from library ICT staff and librarians. The researchers used a case study design to explore the research problem. The BUSE library established an IR for the purposes of archiving and enabling open access to its scholarly output. The study revealed that there were legal and ethical issues undermining the security and ethical use of the BUSE IR, particularly cyber threats and unauthorised access. The study makes recommendations on how to overcome the challenges in order to enhance the security of the IR.