Use of the Institutional Repository by Academics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

This study examined the extent of use of the institutional repository (IR) by academics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The following research questions were addressed: What progress has been achieved to support the use of the university’s IR? What is the attitude of academics towards self-archiving? What challenges are hindering repository use at UKZN? What strategies can be employed to improve acceptance and use of the repository at UKZN? A mixed method research approach was adopted. A questionnaire was designed to gather quantitative data from academics, while qualitative data were sought from management and administrative staff of the university through interviews. Documents and statistical data from online websites were incorporated to corroborate field data. The study findings revealed that the signing of the Berlin Declaration, employment of a full-time IR librarian, updating of the DSpace, development of an online submission guide, and ongoing training and awareness programmes, were achieved to support the use of the IR. Academics’ attitude towards IR use was positive but was hampered by limited knowledge of OA and the benefits of uploading scholarly content on the IR, limited skill for self-archiving, and lack of time to upload content on the IR. Use of other OA platforms by some academics, such as subject repositories, personal websites and social media platforms like ResearchGate, Academia and Mendeley, took their attention away from the university’s IR. The study concluded that, with improved training, the implementation of a mandating OA policy and a reward system, use of the repository by academics at UKZN could improve.