Browsing by Author "Njagi, Pauline Ruguru"

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    Assessing the Implementation Status of Institutional Repositories for Scholarly Communication in the Selected Universities in Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2019-06) Njagi, Pauline Ruguru
    Institutional repository is a concept that has been embraced worldwide as a means through which academic institution showcase their research output globally. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation status of institutional repositories for transmitting scholarly communication in newly established universities in Kenya, with particular reference to Machakos, Kirinyaga and Embu University. The study objectives were establishing content recruitment criteria the universities employ to populate their institutional repositories, assess role of staff who are charged with responsibilities of managing institutional repositories, establish user awareness levels of the existence and purpose of institutional repositories, evaluate the extent of user acceptance of the institutional repositories and finally identity challenges that face successful implementation of institutional repositories. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. Data for the study was collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedule. Simple random sampling was used to sample data from student population and purposive sampling from the staff. Qualitative data was analysed by the use of content analysis. A statistical package for social sciences was used to analyse quantitative data and represent it through the use of percentages, tables, pie charts and graphs for the purpose of interpretation. The study established that majority of the users (faculty heads and student) were averagely aware of existence of institutional repository. Users had an average perception on institution repository and some were depositing and archiving their research work with the repository. The surveyed institution repositories had fairly functional institution repositories governed by submission and metadata policies. The institutional repository librarians were charged with responsibilities of recruiting content, understood the scholarly communication process. The study concluded that the level of awareness needs to be improved through user education on content hosting, digital archiving and scholarship. The study recommends for methods of promoting institutional repositories concept and management support.
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    Exploring the Architecture of Research Data Management
    (International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 2025-03) Njagi, Pauline Ruguru; Gitau, Njoroge
    The study focused on model for effective research data management practices including metadata creation, design, storage, security, preservation, retrieval, sharing, and reuse. Data storage in a format that can be easily accessed, processed, and analyzed requires a functional architecture as datasets are often fragile and susceptible to storage malfunctions and advancing technology. The study used descriptive quantitative research design. Closed-ended questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. A total of 35 participants selected purposively were engaged to provide insight on study topic. The study used content validity to establish the degree to which the measure represented the paradigm of interest. Test retesting was done to establish questionnaire's reliability which yielded a Cronbach Alpha result of 0.78 ascertaining reliability before questionnaires administering. Data was analyzed using statistical analysis for social sciences and result presented in pie-chart. The finding informs of widespread use or plan to adopt the "Repository" data architecture model reflecting a widespread understanding among participants of its applicability for enabling research data management practices in academic libraries. However, the study recommends for further studies on repository model standards in academic libraries and blackboard functionality and effectiveness in research data management.
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    Preparedness of Academic Libraries for the Adoption of Research Data Management; A Case of Selected University Libraries in Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2025-09) Njagi, Pauline Ruguru
    Research data entail information gathered during a research project. Research data management is a distinct data lifecycle-related tasks and activities, including metadata creation and design, storage, security, preservation, retrieval, sharing, and reuse. The activities take into account technical capabilities, ethical considerations, legal ramifications, governance frameworks, and technical know-how. Evidence indicates that lack of adopted strategies to manage research data has led to duplication of efforts, unverifiable study findings, and waste of public fund in undocumented research data. Therefore, the study sought to assess the knowledge and key competencies of librarians in the context research data management; collaborative partnerships; structure that drives research data management; policy and legal framework; and data architecture model which academic libraries could adopt to support RDM activities. The study used the technology, economic, legal, organizational, and schedule (TELOS) feasibility model coined by Hall (2007). The study used descriptive quantitative design. The total population was 73 and a sample size was determined using the Slovin’s sample size determination method which led to a sample of 62 participants including academic librarians, directors of research, and graduate school board staff selected purposively. Also, structured closed-ended were used. The study used content validity to establish the degree to which the measure represented the paradigm of interest. Cronbach Alpha test was employed to measure questionnaire’s reliability which confirmed reliability at 0.78. The descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze data gathered quantitively and finding presented using tables, graphs, and pie-chart. The study reveals RDM knowledge, skills, and competencies in libraries which have integrated RDM services in the library role. The collaboration exists at interdisciplinary level. The study reveals availability of standards for metadata creation, security for metadata data and responsibility, strategies to make metadata available and when, understanding on cost implication, and who the target for the managed research data. The policies help in handling process and legal framework on ethical issues and concerns. On data architecture the majority preferred the repository model citing practically, flexible functions and utility, giving a foundation for coordinated planning and collaborative activities in academic libraries. In relations to preparedness the participants had high level of knowledge, skills, and competencies particularly Egerton though Kenyatta university have knowledge on RDM but lack the skills and competencies to handle RDM role effectively. On technical preparedness Egerton is more prepared compared to Kenyatta university though diverse understanding of data standards, security, how to make data globally available and when, cost implication and target users for the managed data. The studied libraries were prepared with policies to handle RDM though there were varied views on what the policy should cover and legal framework to handle ethical issues. The study concluded that low level of knowledge, skill and competencies in Kenyatta university could be attributed to lack of integration of RDM service in librarian’s role. The interdisciplinary collaboration could be sufficient to handle RDM process. The technical structure should be well defined to handle all phases of research data for a seamless process. On policy there should be evidence-based policies to match with open science methods. The study recommends continuous education on RDM through formal training, seminars, and workshop for successful RDM. Also, extension of interdisciplinary collaboration to partnership with stakeholders. On policy and data architecture institutions should come together in drafting RDM policy for best practice and agree on architecture which could allow widely sharing of research data
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    Understanding the Legal Framework in Research Data Management: A Study of Selected Academic Libraries in Kenya
    (Regional Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 2024-04) Njagi, Pauline Ruguru; Gitau, Njoroge; Bituka, Ronald
    Rationale of Study – The study focused on the legal framework instrumental in protecting research participants' rights and interests. It also sought to identify potential legal risks and recommend strategies to mitigate them, promote ethical conduct, and enhance security for data reuse and sharing. Methodology – The study used a quantitative research design to gather quantifiable data. The target population was academic librarians and executive library users from Kenyatta and Egerton University. A total of 35 participants participated in the study. Structured open-ended questionnaires were used to obtain responses from participants purposively selected. Findings – The study revealed that academic institutions have policies. However, to maintain a healthy research ecosystem that facilitates accessibility, interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge transmission, and data sharing, academic libraries need to implement research data management policies that match open science standards, such as promoting reuse in the context of adherence to intellectual property rights and security of sensitive data. Implications – The study sheds light on issues and legal concerns addressed or should be addressed by research data management policies adoption or being prepared for adoption in academic libraries. Its issues are intellectual property, protection of data against security breaches, terms and conditions regarding data use, and protection of sensitive data confidentiality. Originality – The paper shed light on research data management policy, precisely the issues which should be included in the policy, as well as legal concerns.