| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: Every year, Kenya does local studies worth billions of shillings, which are rarely disseminated
outside of the institutions' office drawers and library shelves. Therefore, research findings should be
shared for advancement right away. Institutional repositories are a significant recent development in the
field of research exchange within libraries. Effective utilization of these services is essential for
postgraduate students to access relevant resources, expand their knowledge, and complete quality
research projects. However, gaps in the use of information services by postgraduate students have been
observed, indicating the need for a deeper understanding of their usage patterns, preferences, and
challenges. This study examines how postgraduate students in selected Kenyan universities utilise
institutional digital repositories to support their academic needs.
Methods: The study was grounded in the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT) focusing on 2,452
individuals - 2,372 postgraduate students and 80 librarians from the University of Embu, Kenya
Methodist University, Kirinyaga University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Chuka
University. A random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 493 respondents, including
475 postgraduate students and 18 librarians. Data was collected through self-administered
questionnaires for students and interviews with selected librarians to provide both quantitative and
qualitative insights. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods,
while qualitative data was presented narratively.
Results: Findings revealed that digital repository services (β=0.109, p < 0.05) had significant positive
effects on library utilization.
Conclusion: The study concludes that Digital Institutional Repositories (DIRs) are essential in
supporting postgraduate students' effective use of library services. It recommends the university
management together with the ICT department should ensure the provision of reliable internet
connectivity to facilitate the seamless use of digital resources, Initiative for regular training and
workshops should be organised by the library administration. To provide librarians with knowledge of
digital resources, information services, and efficient user support and service delivery. Additionally,
Librarians should create more awareness of DIR functionalities among postgraduate students to
maximize their engagement and benefit from these resources. | en_US |
