Building an institutional repository: the case of University of Ilorin, Library, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose An institutional repository has become a new way of making the intellectual outputs of academic and research institutions electronically accessible in the online public domain. The outcome has led to users gaining remote access to varieties of digitized information that is hitherto locally resident before digitization in hardcopy form in the various information centre and libraries without users’ restrictions. This initiative has helped to enhance the open access inventiveness. Nigeria libraries are therefore taking up the challenge of computerizing their libraries and some have taken some steps to source the requisite funds to digitize and archive their library resources for easier Web-based access. Consequent upon this development, the University of Ilorin, embarked on digitization of its local contents such as Convocation Ceremonies; Government Publications; and Staff Publications and Theses and Dissertations, and making these local resources available online. This paper attempts to give a detailed account, step-by-step procedures and the various challenges faced in the process of building its online institutional repository and the way forward. The report in this paper gives insight into academic libraries intention to digitize their library resources, on the best way to go about it and also to avoid unnecessary hurdles. Design/methodology/approach To provide a thorough breakdown of the building of institutional repositories in the University of Ilorin, Library, webliography sources were consulted. Findings Some areas in service provisions need to improve upon, and these areas are search engine optimization by subscribing to handle.net, integration of Google analytics to check performance, sitemap features and highly secured (SSL and public key encryption. Originality/value This paper attempts to give a detailed account, step-by-step procedures and the various challenges faced in the process of building its online institutional repository and the way forward. The report in this paper gives insight into academic libraries intention to digitize their library resources, on the best way to go about it and also to avoid unnecessary hurdles.

Exploring academic staff engagement in depositing locally produced research content in open access institutional repositories in Tanzania

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“…Hence, it is essential to maintain these IRs for long term, thus ensuring the sustainability of IRs. According to Eromosele (2019), enhancing the service and sustainability of IRs is very crucial. However, Bashir et al (2022) also warn about the cost required for the maintenance of IRs.…”