Awareness and Use of the University of Botswana Institutional Repository by Postgraduate Students

<p dir="ltr">Institutional repositories (IRs) are digital platforms for storing and sharing scholarly materials. While widely adopted globally, their uptake in Africa faces challenges such as poor internet connectivity, limited infrastructure, and low awareness. In Botswana, the University of Botswana has established an IR, but awareness and usage among researchers and students remain limited.</p><p dir="ltr">This study assessed postgraduate students’ awareness and use of the University of Botswana repository at the Okavango Research Institute. A survey of registered postgraduate students revealed that most were aware of the repository and its contents, mainly using it monthly to access research articles and dissertations. Satisfaction levels were generally neutral, with user-friendliness, searchability, and relevant content influencing satisfaction.</p><p dir="ltr">Challenges included poor internet connectivity, limited content variety, and navigation difficulties. Students recommended expanding content (e.g., interdisciplinary theses, lecture materials), improving the interface, and offering training. Strengthening advocacy, increasing deposits of current research, and enhancing infrastructure can improve usage and satisfaction.</p>