An investigation of institutional repositories in state universities in Zimbabwe

摘要

This study examines the current state of institutional repositories in Zimbabwe and the challenges and enablers for institutional growth, whilst evaluating the operational issues that might be affecting the setting up of institutional repositories. The qualitative research involved interviews with university librarians and personnel from the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP). The University of Zimbabwe currently houses the only repository in the country listed on the Directory of Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR). The research concludes that the current state of repositories has largely been influenced by the political and economic situation in the country. Partnerships forged between the libraries and INASP are playing a significant role in supporting research and setting up of the repositories. The issue of repositories in Zimbabwe requires much attention and financial assistance from the government and from the universities themselves.