Abstract:
This study investigates how institutional repositories are making hidden or lost cultural digital heritage
accessible in academic libraries in selected countries within Africa. The design of the study is a
descriptive design. The research makes use of a structured questionnaire prepared using Google forms
and sent through e-mail to 40 members of academic staff in selected academic libraries in three African
countries namely; Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda. In all, 35 responses were received, generating a 87.5%
response rate. Data collected was analyzed using an Excel Spreadsheet. The findings reveal that
25(78.1%) indicated that they have only theses/dissertations as their institutional repository, while
22(68.8%) showed they have research articles and manuscripts in their institutional repository
respectively. Nearly all the respondents (95.7%) use their institutional repositories for research
purposes, 87% use it to contribute/deposit materials into the repository for others to use. The study also
discovered that about 85% benefit from using digitized heritage materials. Inadequate funds, unstable
power supply, poor internet connectivity, and poor marketing of an institutional repository among
others are the major challenges faced in the implementation and uses of IRs. It was therefore
recommended that the management of the institutions should ensure that enough funds are allocated for
the implementation of IRs. Further recommendations include the establishment of effective advocacy
measures that will create awareness both within and outside the academic environment on
implementation and uses of an institutional repository in academic institutions in Africa.
