Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure as Determinant of Institutional Repository Operations in College of Education Libraries in Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study examined Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure as a determinant of institutional repository operations in selected College of Education libraries in Bauchi State, Nigeria. It assessed the availability and functionality of ICT facilities, adequacy of Internet and network infrastructure, availability of institutional repositories, and challenges affecting repository operations. A survey research design was adopted, with a population of 628 academic staff and 459 usable responses, representing a 73.1% response rate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist and analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Findings showed that basic ICT facilities were generally available and functional, whereas critical repository facilities, including servers, network-attached storage, backup devices, UPS, and digital cameras, were largely unavailable. Internet and network infrastructure was also inadequate. None of the selected libraries had an operational institutional repository, although respondents reported a positive influence of ICT infrastructure on repository operations (overall mean = 3.04). Major challenges included inadequate funding, high ICT and Internet costs, unstable electricity, poor connectivity, inadequate storage and servers, limited technical skills, absence of institutional policies, and insufficient management support. The study concludes that effective institutional repository operations require adequate ICT infrastructure, reliable Internet and power supply, skilled personnel, sustainable funding, appropriate policies, and management support. It recommends phased investment in infrastructure, staff capacity development, policy formulation, repository software, digitisation, and systematic content management.