Abstract
This study investigated digital preservation strategies and the long-term accessibility of
institutional repositories in selected Nigerian universities. The study was motivated by
concerns over the sustainability of digital scholarly resources amid growing reliance on
institutional repositories for knowledge dissemination. A descriptive survey research
design was adopted, and the population comprised ninety (90) repository personnel drawn
from five universities, from which a sample of thirty-six (36) respondents was selected
using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that
basic preservation strategies such as regular backups (86.1%) and metadata
standardization (75.0%) are widely implemented, while formal digital preservation
policies remain limited (50.0%). The results further showed that technological
infrastructure is largely inadequate, with mean values ranging from 1.95 to 2.40, indicating
low capacity in areas such as funding, power supply, and storage systems. In addition, the
study found that a majority of repository personnel lack formal training in digital
preservation, and major factors affecting long-term accessibility include inadequate
funding (83.3%), weak policy frameworks (72.2%), and technological obsolescence
(66.7%). The study concluded that although institutional repositories have improved
access to scholarly outputs, their sustainability is constrained by infrastructural, policy, and
human capacity challenges. The study recommends the development of comprehensive
preservation policies, increased investment in infrastructure, and continuous professional
training to enhance the long-term sustainability of institutional repositories.
Keywords: digital preservation, institutional repositories, long-term accessibility, African universities, research data management
Publication Date: 2026-05-03