Assessing the Impact of Digital Repositories on Scholarly Communication and Information-Seeking Behavior of Graduate Students in Public Universities

Project Abstract

This study investigates how digital repositories influence scholarly communication and the information-seeking behavior of graduate students in public universities. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, the research integrates quantitative surveys of 600 graduate students across five public universities with qualitative interviews of 40 librarians, repository managers, and faculty mentors to capture diverse perspectives on repository use, access patterns, and scholarly workflows. The study examines access frequency, search strategies, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and barriers to deposit and retrieval, framed by the Technology Acceptance Model and the Open Access ecology. Data collection spanned an academic year, enabling analysis of temporal variations across disciplines and degree levels. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression to identify predictors of repository engagement, while thematic analysis of interview transcripts reveals nuanced experiences related to metadata quality, interoperability, embargo policies, and institutional incentives. The research also assesses the impact of repository features such as full-text availability, persistent identifiers, citation linking, usage analytics, and integration with academic profiles on scholarly communication outcomes, including collaboration, visibility, and citation behavior. Findings indicate that repository visibility and interoperability significantly enhance discoverability and curation of graduate research, with notable differences across disciplines and user roles. Depositing frequency correlates with positive attitudes toward open access, institutional mandates, and perceived benefits for career advancement, while barriers include inconsistent metadata standards, limited awareness of deposit workflows, and concerns about intellectual property and embargo restrictions. The study also reveals shifts in information-seeking behavior, with a move toward algorithmic search reliance, personalized recommendation services, and increased use of institutional search portals, yet persistent reliance on traditional databases for discipline-specific sources. The role of librarians as facilitators of repository engagement is explored, highlighting the importance of targeted training, streamlined deposition processes, and proactive outreach to cultivate a culture of open scholarship. Policy implications address the need for standardized metadata schemas, robust interoperability with external repositories and indexing services, clearer deposit workflows, and incentive structures that reward open access contributions. The study contributes to a refined theoretical understanding of digital repositories as embedded ecosystems that influence scholarly communication practices and information behavior among advanced research students. Recommendations include enhancing repository metadata quality, expanding user-support programs, integrating repository metrics into annual performance reviews, and fostering collaborative ecosystems among libraries, research offices, and information technology units to sustain active repository use. The research provides a nuanced evidence base to inform institutional policy, repository design, and professional practice aimed at maximizing the scholarly impact of graduate research within public university settings.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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A straightforward study of how digital repositories used by public universities influence how graduate students share, find, and use scholarly information, and how these systems shape their everyday research habits.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Many universities host digital repositories, but it is unclear how these tools affect students’ ability to discover sources, share work, and participate in scholarly conversations. This project investigates gaps between repository features and students’ information practices, aiming to improve access and usage.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Identify what features graduate students value in digital repositories.
2. Assess how repository use changes information-seeking behavior.
3. Evaluate barriers to effective use and access.
4. Provide practical recommendations to improve repository design and training.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Review related literature on repositories and student information behavior.

2. Design a survey and select institutions for data collection.

3. Collect data from graduate students and repository administrators.

4. Analyze responses to identify common patterns and barriers.

5. Interpret findings in the context of library practices and policies.

6. Propose improvements and present results to stakeholders.

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Expected Outcome

Insights into how digital repositories support or hinder scholarly work for graduate students, with actionable recommendations for improving access, usability, and training to enhance research efficiency and collaboration.