Connecting industries to research outputs: The role of academic libraries

Abstract

This study sought to explore the role academic libraries can play in connecting industries to research outputs emanating from universities and research institutions in Ghana. This study adopted the explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Purposive and disproportionate stratified sampling were used to select a sample size of 196, which included researchers, academic librarians and industrialists. The response rate was 78%. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview guide and questionnaire. Narrative analysis of qualitative data was employed, while quantitative data from the questionnaire was analysed descriptively (frequencies, means, standard deviations) and inferentially (ANOVA) using SPSS version 21. The significant finding indicates that academic libraries can play a key role in the effective transmission of research outputs to industries, hence, the need for a stronger collaboration among researchers, academic libraries, and industries to ensure high productivity, leading to national development. The study recommended the use of the Academic Libraries Transfer of Research Outputs to Industry (ALTROI) Model to ensure effective collaboration among researchers, academic libraries and industries as far as the proper use of research outputs is concerned.