Awareness and Perception of Physicists towards Self-archiving in arXiv.org Open Access Repository in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the level of awareness and perception of self-archiving in arXiv.org open access repository among physicists in Northwestern Nigeria. The study adopted quantitative research methodology using survey design. Questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. The population of the study composed of all physicists of the Federal Universities in Northwestern Nigeria. Consequently, 127 copies of questionnaire were distributed to the respondents, out of which 108 (85%) were returned and found usable for the study. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study reveals that there was moderate level of self-archiving among physicists in Northwestern Nigeria. They also have a fairly positive perception towards self-archiving, although they still hold some misconceptions about the practice. It was also discovered that, lack of supporting facilities and applicable skills were the major challenges that hindered self-archiving in the Northwestern Nigeria. The research also discovered that, for an optimal development of self-archiving in the region, physicists need to be supported. Lastly, the study recommended that universities need to improve their ICT facilities and equipment, create a unit and prepare training programme that would assist the academic staff who want to self-archive their work.