The role of University Library in Promoting Open Access to Information

Abstract

The study aims to identify the role played by the central library at the University of Technology in promoting open access to information, to determine the level of implementation of open access practice within the library, and to analyze the strength of the relationship and impact between the role of university libraries and the application of open access to information. The study adopted a descriptive – analytical approach and employed several statistical methods, including frequencies, percentages, weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The study sample consisted of 20 staff members from the central library, including the library director, heads of departments and units, and other employees. The findings revealed that the dimension related to the role of university achieved a high level of acceptance (agree), while the dimension of open access to information achieved a high level of acceptance (strongly agree). The results also confirmed the existence of a significant correlation and impact between the role of central libraries and open access to information. Among the most important recommendation of the study are the need to archive and digitize all forms of scientific information resources and make them available online to enhance their effective use, as well as to establish a dedicated digital repository for the university of technology under the supervision of the central libraries to ensure sustainable and free access to open information resources.