STRATEGIES OF MAKING INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study examines the strategies employed to enhance the visibility and accessibility of institutional repositories (IRs) within three National Agricultural Research Institutes in North-West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from a comprehensive sample of 291 respondents, including digital librarians, extension workers, veterinary doctors, livestock officers, agricultural officers, and researchers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, focusing on the strategies used to manage and promote the visibility of IRs. The analysis, conducted using SPSS, revealed several critical gaps in current practices. Findings indicate limited utilization of search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, ineffective metadata and keyword usage, and inadequate stakeholder engagement, resulting in reduced discoverability of IR materials. Additionally, there was limited collaboration with other repositories and a lack of outreach activities, such as workshops and training sessions, to promote IR resources. Based on these findings, the study recommends a comprehensive review of existing strategies, incorporating user feedback and best practices to improve IR visibility and accessibility within these institutes. This research underscores the need for agricultural research institutes to adopt more proactive and collaborative approaches to maximize the impact and reach of their institutional repositories.