Research Archiving As a Tool for Research Continuity: A Look at Bowen University, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The concept of research/project archiving revolves around access to and storage of past works. With the increase in technology, several universities have incorporated the use of electronic archive systems to store research works to provide easy access to such works and improve their research output. Bowen University, Nigeria however, currently runs a manual system of project archiving which is not in tune with the current trend in research archiving. This work was therefore aimed at designing an electronic project archive system for Bowen University that provides accessibility to securely managed past works to cater for the research needs of undergraduate students and enable them to contribute their quota to knowledge.
 Study Design: An empirical research study design was employed.
 Place of Study: Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria.
 Methodology: A self-constructed questionnaire designed via Google Forms was administered to current students, past students and staff members of Bowen University to collect data on user requirements; data were analyzed and the results served as a platform to develop a user-centred system.
 The Bowen University Project Archive System (BUPAS) was built with a focus on the authenticity of the materials archived using HTML for the user interface design, PHP for the system logic to communicate with a carefully designed and structured database, and a local host server, WAMP providing back and forth communication. The usability test was also conducted for users. 
 Conclusion: The use of the agile methodology ensured the development of a fully functional system that provides a faster and easier platform for submitting and accessing project works with users attesting to the need for the system and commending the simplicity and easy navigation of the system. Also, a major strength any archive system should possess is its ability to ensure a secure way of depositing into it to guarantee the authenticity of materials that are being accessed. The Bowen University Project Archive System possesses this strength.