To Investigate The Preparedness Of Higher Learning Institutions In Zambia To Establish Institution Repositories(Irs): The Case Of Selected Higher Learning Institutions In Lusaka.

Abstract

With the high levels of present-day technological advancement, many institutions and colleges in developing countries have awakened to the need of establishing institutional repositories to match the standards of well-established long-standing colleges, in spite of inadequate infrastructure and limited financial resources. The aim of the study was to make an ethical investigation on the preparedness of selected Universities and colleges in Zambia, regarding the establishment of institutional repositories in higher learning Institutions. A total of three (3) selected higher learning institutions from Lusaka was the sample size of the study. The method used was in-depth interviews (face-to-face) to elicit key information from particular staff in the three institutions so as to qualify preparedness in the institutions. Respondents included twelve (12) members, that is, from management, chief librarian, IT technician and teaching staff (Lecturer). The findings revealed that there was little knowledge or competent ignorance of the existence of IRs in the selected institutions in Zambia. It was also noticed that the institutions had inadequate infrastructure to fully establish an IR. Although most institutions indicated to have management’s full support, others did not despite having expressed interest. Further, the limitation of the study was that it will be exclusive to the selected institutions meaning, generalization can only be to the institutions that share similar conditions and setting as the selected ones in the setting up of IRs. With regard to the investigation, the utilization evaluation showed that benefits of the study will equip the higher learning institutions with knowledge and information required by students, lectures and the community at large. Consequently, the investigation concluded that the selected Universities and colleges in Zambia needed wide spread orientation to enhance preparedness in establishing IRs. The study contributes empirical literature regarding preparedness in establishing IRs in the selected higher learning institutions in Zambia.