Competence in using open access institutional repositories for improved accessibility of research outputs: The case of selected academic institutions in Tanzania

Purpose This study was carried out to investigate the competency level in accessing institutional research productivity among users of academic libraries in Tanzania. Specifically, the study focused on examining the level of competency, assessing where users acquired skills of accessing institutional research productivity, establishing the attitude of library users towards acquiring skills, and identifying the constraints faced in acquiring OAIRs skills. Methodology The study employed a cross-sectional research design. Systematic, random, and purposive sampling procedures were used to obtain a total of 292 respondents and eight key informants. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from academic staff, research fellows, and librarians. Structured questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS package V20.0, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Results Key findings indicated that 28.4% of the users are computer competent, information search literate (27.1%), communication skilled (27.1%), and competent in scholarly publishing and self-archiving (20.5%). Results indicated that users acquired skills of accessing institutional research productivity from librarians (22.6%) and library technicians (18.2%). Also, results revealed that 57.9% were positive towards acquiring skills, and 56.9% agreed that acquiring skills of OAIRs facilitates free and quick access. However, lack of awareness of the presence of OAIRs (38.6%), unawareness of OAIRs policy (22.8%), and lack of budget for training and advocacy of OAIRs (19.3%) were identified as constraints faced in acquiring OAIRs skills. Conclusion The study concluded that the competency level on accessibility of institutional research productivity is still low among library users, even though the use of OAIRs in Tanzania is still low. Recommendation Recommended to review OAIRs policies for managing OAIRs, especially putting up a mechanism for enforcing training among users, and investment in infrastructure for improved accessibility of institutional research productivity in Tanzania institutions.