Abstract
Digital preservation has become increasingly important in research institutions because
scientific information resources must remain accessible, reliable, and protected for future use.
This study examined digital competences as predictors of effective digital preservation of
information resources in the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). A
correlational survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 183 staff
members drawn from the library, media, ICT, and registry units of NASRDA headquarters and
two selected activity centres, and the entire population was used because the size was
manageable. A structured questionnaire titled Digital Competences as Correlates of Digital
Preservation of Information Resources Questionnaire (DCCDPIRQ) was used for data
collection, and a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.99 was obtained for the
instrument. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and multiple
regression analysis were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that staff possessed
moderate to high levels of digital competence across ICT literacy, information literacy, data
management skills, and cybersecurity awareness. Results further showed a significant positive
relationship between digital competence and effective digital preservation of information
resources (r = 0.312, p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that digital competences
significantly predicted digital preservation effectiveness, with data management skills
emerging as the strongest predictor (β = 0.341, p < 0.05). The study concluded that digital
competences contribute significantly to repository accessibility, reliability, sustainability, and
preservation efficiency within NASRDA, and recommended continuous professional training
and stronger cybersecurity awareness programmes to improve long-term digital preservation
practices.
Keywords: Digital competence, digital preservation, ICT literacy, data management skills,
cybersecurity awareness, institutional repositories, NASRDA.
Publication Date: 2026-10-31