Exploring the Need of Integrated Digital Academic repository for sharing intellectual output in Higher Learning Institutions (Case of Tanzania)

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of the study conducted in three Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) of Tanzania. The purpose of the study was to explore the existing models and technologies used in sharing and dissemination of knowledge in (HLIs) of Tanzania. Questionnaires, interview and observation were used to gather data. The findings showed that, universities produce wide range of intellectual outputs (IOs). More than half population involved in the study create and store their IOs in personal computer hard drives while others store in internet cloud servers and departmental web servers. Sharing and dissemination of Intellectual output done through different media. The identified methods proven unreliable, hindering availability and accessibility of scholarly works. Authors proposed integrated digital academic repository that manages and disseminate scholars work through central database. Requirements for design and development of the proposed system have been identified. Design and development of proposed system has been suggested