Perceptions of value : the case of the Stellenbosch University Institutional Repository

Abstract

Stellenbosch University in South Africa has an established institutional repository, managed by the Library and Information Service, as well as an institutional policy on the self‐archiving of research output, curated by the Library and Information Service. The main objectives of this study were to examine to what extent Stellenbosch University researchers are aware of the institutional repository and the university’s self‐archiving policy, what their attitude towards the institutional repository and self‐archiving is and how they use the institutional repository and perceive the benefits of selfarchiving. The purpose was to determine whether these initiatives are meaningful to researchers. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach and a case study design. The main data collection tool was an online questionnaire with both closed and open‐ended questions. The target population was Stellenbosch University researchers. Purposive sampling was used when only identified National Research Foundation C‐rated and Y‐rated researchers were given access to the online questionnaire. The sample represented established researchers or promising young researchers. Results demonstrated that the selected group of Stellenbosch University researchers have a high level of awareness of the institutional repository and recognise the value and benefits thereof. Results have also shown that these researchers have a positive attitude towards self‐archiving and realise the benefits thereof. The researchers do, however, still experience barriers with regards to complying with the policy. Recommendations from the analysis of results include ways to further raise awareness of the self‐archiving policy and remove barriers to self‐archiving experienced by Stellenbosch University researchers.