An Evaluation of Open Access Resources Initiatives on Scholarly Communication and Information Access in Yobe State University Library, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the evaluation of the open access initiative on scholarly communication and
information access in the Yobe State University Library, Yobe State. North-East, Nigeria. The
objectives included assessing the evaluation of the initiative, identifying challenges affecting its
evaluation, and proposing measures for improvement. Three research questions were formulated
to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 15 librarians from the
Yobe State University Library as the study population. The questionnaire titled "Impact of
Evaluation of Open Access Resource Initiative on Scholarly Communication and Information
Access in Yobe State University Library (EOPISCIA)" comprised 18 statements rated on a 4-point
scale. The instrument underwent face validation by three experts, and data collection involved two
trained research assistants administering and retrieving the questionnaire within a two-week
period, achieving a 100% response rate. Data analysis was conducted using percentages, means,
and standard deviation. The findings revealed among others that Open Access initiatives have
positive impact in enhancing scholarly communication and information access at the Yobe State
Library, encompass Quality Assessment, Funding and Sustainability, Copyright and Licensing,
Collaboration and Partnerships, Training and Awareness, and Infrastructure and Technology.
The study concluded that Open Access Resources initiatives have a positive impact on enhancing
scholarly communication and information access and recommended among others that the Yobe
State Library, should expand its Open Access initiatives to include more resources and services,
such as open educational resources, data repositories, and scholarly publishing services, to
further enhance scholarly communication and information access.