Narrative review on open access institutional repositories and knowledge sharing in South Africa

Abstract

This brief communication conveys a critical assessment of the benefits, challenges, and potential of Open Access Institutional Repositories (OAIRs) for knowledge sharing in South Africa. The review identifies best practices and recommendations to promote and improve their usage. Researchers need training and support to understand guidelines and best practices for depositing their work. Limited funding for OAIRs can be addressed by government funding or exploring alternative models. Legal and policy frameworks must support OAIRs and ensure they comply with international standards. Proper management and indexing policies enhance institutional visibility and information retrieval. OAIRs promote collaboration and cooperation among researchers and provide a platform for knowledge sharing and feedback. Standardized platforms and frameworks ensure digital outputs are accessible and usable for the academic community. Sharing knowledge on self-archiving encourages researchers to deposit their works. Formal reviews must focus on metadata and ensure that articles are from DHET-accredited journals and that theses and dissertations meet institutional requirements. These efforts promote open access and preserve scholarly works for future generations.