Awareness and Attitude of Academic Staff towards Adoption of Open Access Publishing in [Iniversity of Ilorin Nigeria

Abstract

Unrversity of llorin (Unilorin) ofNigeria has been providing Internet facilities and electronic information (e information) resources to users such as academics through various scholurly communication models, including open access (0A). Nonetheless, litle is known about the academics' awareness and attitude towards OA publishing. The study examined awareness, attilude of academics staf towards adoption and use OA publishing using triangulation means of collecting data. Besides, this study determined the relationship in identified factors, Data were obtained through questionnaires and semi-structured interyiews,. A cademic staff members from the three selected faculties (Sooial Soienoes, Management Sciences and Commuication &lnformation Sciences) ofUnilorin were surveyed, while interview conducted for only two academics. Out of 1 52 copies of questionnaire distributed only 140 copies were returned with response rate of 92. Il percent. The data collected were analysed using frequengy counts, percentages mean and regression analysis. The study revealed high level of awareness of OA publishing and positive atitude towards adoption and use of OA publishing by acádemic staff. Consequently, there is significant relationship berween independent variables and dependent variables of the study. The stuy recommends that university authority should put in place OA püblishing policy that will encourage academics to publish in OA reviewed journals that could be accepted for promotion and tenure elongation.