OPEN REPOSITORIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: BRIDGING THE INFORMATION GAP

The poster highlights the importance of open repositories, as a precursor for reaching the SDGs. The paper examined the material content available, on Open Access Repositories, in public universities, in Zambia, linking them to the SDGs. Open-access repositories are the gateways, through which the published literature can be accessed. Many universities have implemented institutional repositories, to share innumerable resources, bordering on various subject areas. These repositories contain a horde of information, the availability and use of which, are of great significance, to solving societal challenges, including the attainment of SDGs. The recoverability and use of repositories, is a necessity to provide answers, that the SDGs strive to attain. The literature review and content analysis were adopted, through questionnaire and observation, using ProQuest/Serial solutions summons. The study population comprised seven public universities in Zambia; University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University, Mukuba University, Chalimbana University, and Kapasa Makasa University. Findings from the study indicated that Open Access Repositories were critical in the dissemination of research and realizing policy goals. The institutions concerned needed to commit to ensuring the sustainability of repositories. Libraries in particular needed to take proactive steps to make their repositories more successful and accessible.