PREDICTORS OF QUALITY OF DIGITAL ARCHIVAL REPOSITORIES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the quality of digital archival repositories in academic libraries, focusing on the influence of ICT skills, continuous professional development, and managerial support. Digital repositories are critical for preserving, managing, and providing access to scholarly and institutional knowledge, and their effectiveness depends on the technical, professional, and organizational capacities of library staff. The study employed an ex-post facto research design, considered appropriate because it examines existing conditions and relationships without manipulation of variables. The population consisted of 778 staff members in the archives departments of selected academic libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents, and a structured questionnaire was administered to collect data. The instrument, divided into sections on demographics and variables, was validated using ICVI and SCVI and demonstrated acceptable reliability through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, simple regression, and multiple regression to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that ICT skills, continuous professional development, and managerial support each significantly influence the quality of digital archival repositories, while jointly, they account for a substantial proportion of variance in repository quality. The study provides empirical evidence for improving repository management, informing policy, and enhancing staff capacity to ensure sustainable and high-quality digital archival systems in academic libraries.