Role of Academic Libraries in Promoting Open Access and Enhancing Research Visibility in Nigerian Universities

This study investigates how academic libraries in Nigerian universities promote open access initiatives and enhance research visibility, focusing on promotion, utilization, and strategic approaches. A descriptive-survey design was adopted, targeting 255 academic staff across selected universities in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering open access promotion, utilization and research visibility. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression with SPSS. Results indicate that utilization of open access platforms positively and significantly influences research visibility (β = 0.428, p < 0.001). Open access promotion alone did not significantly affect visibility (β = 0.035, p > 0.05). Combined, Open access variables explained 18% of the variance in research visibility (R² = 0.186, p < 0.001). The study concludes that the effectiveness of open access initiatives in enhancing research visibility depends largely on the extent of active utilization by academic staff rather than on promotional efforts alone. It is therefore recommended that academic libraries prioritize user-centered strategies, including targeted training, strengthened institutional policies, and enhanced repository management, to encourage active engagement with open access platforms and maximize research visibility.