Using open access institutional repository policy to improve content in four Tanzanian public universities

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This study investigated how OAIR policy can be used to improve OAIR contents. Specifically, the study sought to determine the level of awareness of the OAIR policy among academic staff members in the selected universities, examine the use of OAIR policy in the collection of OAIR contents in the selected universities, and find out how the OAIR policy can be used to improve the growth of OAIR content. Methodology – Systematic random and purposive sampling procedures were used to obtain the study sample. The sample size included 413 academic staff and eight key informants. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from a structured questionnaire, interview and secondary data. Data were analysed by using SPSS version 22 and content analysis. Findings – Key findings revealed that 46.2 per cent of the respondents were aware of the OAIR policy. The findings also revealed that 45.5 per cent indicated that OAIR policy directs them to submit their scholarly publications in OAIRs and also specify the types of content to be held in OAIRs. Implications – Therefore, the study concluded that OAIRs policy forms the vital components that have a positive influence on the growth of content in OAIRs without a policy, OAIRs may remain virtually empty. Therefore, creating awareness of OAIR policy and emphasizing more in the area of submission of content would enhance the growth of OAIR content. Originality – This is an original study on how OAIR policy can be used to improve OAIR contents in four public universities in Tanzania.