ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF OPEN ACCESS INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY DOWNTIME ON POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS’ INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AND ACADEMIC PRODUCTIVITY AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF OPEN ACCESS INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY DOWNTIME ON POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS’ INFORMATION RETRIEVAL AND ACADEMIC PRODUCTIVITY AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
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Date
2026
Authors
SAIDU, Ibrahim
ALHASSAN, HarunaI
DANBABA, Shuaibu
HUSSAINI, Salihu
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BAYERO JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (BJIM)
Abstract
This study examined how downtime of the Institutional Digital Repository (IDR) affects postgraduate students’ ability to access information and their academic productivity at Ahmadu Bello University. A survey research design was used to collect quantitative data through questionnaires administered to a random sample of 300 postgraduate students. The findings revealed a strong reliance on the IDR, with more than 85% of students using it weekly for literature reviews related to their theses and dissertations. However, 80% of the respondents reported experiencing downtime at least once a week, including server errors (90%), slow loading speed (80%), and download failures (65%). Statistical analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between the frequency of IDR use and students’ satisfaction (r = -0.752, p < 0.05). Regression analysis further indicated that the type of downtime significantly predicts lower academic productivity (R² = 0.664, β = -0.815, p < 0.05). Frequent disruptions resulted in research delays, frustration, and reduced productivity. The study recommends urgent infrastructure upgrades, proactive system maintenance, dedicated technical support, and the establishment of a disaster recovery plan.
Description
BAYERO JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (BJIM)
A PUBLICATION OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO
SECOND EDITION, APRIL 2026
PUBLISHED BY
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO
PMB 3011, KANO