Assessing Digital Repository Management in Public University Libraries: A Case Study

Thesis Abstract

In the digital age, public university libraries increasingly rely on digital repositories to enhance access to scholarly outputs, preserve institutional knowledge, and support research and teaching activities; however, the management of these repositories varies significantly in effectiveness and sustainability across institutions. This study critically examines the management practices, challenges, and success factors associated with digital repositories within public university libraries, aiming to identify gaps that hinder optimal utilization and propose strategies for enhancement. The specific objectives are to assess the current state of digital repository management, evaluate user satisfaction and engagement levels, analyze the technical and organizational challenges faced, and recommend best practices to improve repository operations and accessibility. Employing a mixed-method research design, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of digital repository management. The population comprises 12 public university libraries within the country, with a total of 144 library staff members directly involved in digital repository operations, and a stratified random sampling technique selecting 50 respondents for the survey. Additionally, 12 key informant interviews are conducted with senior librarians, IT managers, and repository administrators to garner in-depth insights. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires, interview guides, and document review checklists. Validity and reliability are ensured through pilot testing, expert validation, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.89 for the survey instrument. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics such as mean scores and standard deviations to portray the current management practices, while inferential techniques like multiple regression analysis identify factors significantly affecting repository management efficacy. Thematic analysis is applied to qualitative data to uncover patterns, challenges, and perceived best practices. An analytical framework grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) guides the interpretation of findings, emphasizing organizational capabilities, user acceptance, and technological factors. Expected findings highlight variability in management practices, with common challenges including insufficient funding, inadequate staff training, limited technical infrastructure, and lack of comprehensive policies. User satisfaction surveys are anticipated to reveal moderate engagement levels, with significant correlations between repository usability and management quality. Regression analysis is expected to identify key predictors such as institutional support, staff expertise, and system usability in determining repository performance. The thematic analysis likely uncovers recurring themes related to technical adaptability, organizational change resistance, and resource constraints faced by the libraries. This research contributes to current knowledge by providing an empirical evaluation of digital repository management within a specific national context, integrating organizational and technological perspectives through established theoretical frameworks. It offers a nuanced understanding of factors influencing repository success and identifies practical strategies for capacity building and policy development. The study’s findings will inform library administrators, policymakers, and technologists seeking to optimize digital repository practices in similar institutional settings. Concluding, the study highlights that effective management of digital repositories significantly depends on strategic capacity development, robust technological infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. Recommendations include the adoption of standardized management protocols, investment in staff development programs, enhancement of user interfaces to foster engagement, and the establishment of institutional policies to sustain repository services. Future research directions suggested involve longitudinal studies to assess the impact of implemented improvements and comparative analyses across different regions to generalize findings. Ultimately, this research underscores the critical need for holistic approaches to digital repository management that align technological, organizational, and user-centered dimensions to advance open access and institutional digital legacy preservation within public university systems.