Navigating Digital Transformation: Harnessing Online Institutional Repositories for Advancing Research

Abstract

Leveraging online institutional repositories for advancing research in the era of digital transformation, institutions and researchers confront the challenge of adapting to a swiftly evolving landscape of information dissemination and scholarly communication. This study underscored the pivotal role of online institutional repositories in propelling research efforts amid this dynamic environment. Amidst the rapid evolution of information dissemination, institutions and researchers encountered challenges in effectively managing, preserving, and disseminating research findings. This study aimed to explore the utilization and impact of online institutional repositories in advancing research efforts within the context of digital transformation. The study objectives were to assess the effectiveness of online institutional repositories in facilitating access to scientific findings, examine the role of online repositories in enhancing the visibility and impact of research, investigate the extent to which online repositories facilitated collaboration among researchers and institutions, and explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of online repositories in addressing emerging issues such as data management and research reproducibility. The study was anchored on the theoretical foundation of Information Management and the conceptual framework of Technological Acceptance Model (TAM), which posits that the perceived usefulness and ease of use influence individuals' acceptance and adoption of technology. A mixed-methods approach incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was employed to gather comprehensive insights into the utilization and impact of online institutional repositories. The population consisted of researchers, faculty members, and administrators from various academic institutions in Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used to select a representative sample of 300 participants. Surveys and semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis techniques, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The study revealed that online institutional repositories significantly enhanced access to scientific findings, increased research visibility, and fostered collaboration among researchers and institutions. However, challenges such as data management and copyright issues persisted. The findings underscored the importance of investing in robust technological infrastructure and promoting awareness and utilization of online repositories. Recommendations included implementing training programs for researchers, enhancing metadata standards, and developing policies to address copyright and licensing issues. By embracing online repositories, institutions could accelerate innovation and knowledge dissemination in the digital age.