Design and Development of a Web Based Digital Repository for Scholarly Communication: A Case of NM-AIST Tanzania

Abstract

Institutional repositories are essential research infrastructures for research-based universities. A properly dimensioned institutional repository has the potential to increase research impact and enhance the visibility of an institution through its scholarly outputs. The aim of the study reported in this paper was to design and develop a web-based digital repository for scholarly communications using NM-AIST as a case study. The system was developed using open source software. Findings obtained from system validation tests show that the system is a viable solution to the major challenges encountered in the management and sharing of scholarly information at the institution.