Access and Use of Postgraduate Research in TanzaniaUniversities

Abstract

This study assessed access and use of postgraduate research in Tanzania universities. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam and Mzumbe University Dar es Salaam Campus College. It adopted a mixed research approach, where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. Academic staff from the University of Dar es Salaam and Mzumbe University provided their insights through questionnaires while library staff were interviewed. The findings reveal that most respondents are aware of the research produced by postgraduate students, and have access either frequently or very frequently while some of them use postgraduate research either rarely or very rarely. In terms of purpose of usage, findings indicate that academicians use postgraduate research for professional development while others use them for personal interest. However, challenges such as unpublished/gray literature, limited access to relevant publications, outdated information, diverse terminology, and poor quality of research, inadequate methodology & analysis were mentioned. The study recommends the enhancement of access to the researches through improved dissemination strategies, regular communication to all important stakeholders, increased availability on accessible platforms, and enhancement of metadata and descriptive information to the research.