Availability of Necessary Electronic Infrastructure to Support Open Access Initiative to Literature in Academic Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rationale for the study is to ascertain the state of necessary electronic infrastructure that are available in academic libraries in Delta State, Nigeria which would be used to support Open Access to Literature Initiative. The research method adopted for the study was the descriptive survey design. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The population consisted of 66 Librarians those working in dedicated IT units in the libraries. No sample was used because the population was small. The study revealed that a majority of the respondents are aware of the essential electronic infrastructure which will enable them benefit maximally from Open Access to Literature InitiativeOALI; and e-infrastructure facilities are available but in a poor state among others. The scheme is laudable considering the fact that libraries would be assisted in their collection development activities. This implies that funding bodies of libraries have much to do in term of making provision for the sustenance of OAI through adequate funding.