Abstract :
Information has become a valued commodity in this age of globalization. Information centers all
over the world are now better equipped to manage information due to advancement in
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). In this context, Institutional Repositories
(IRs) provide a unique platform for information management through new ways of Information
Storage and Retrieval (ISR) and digitization. The awareness regarding Open Access Publishing
(OAP) and attitudes of IR users are very important contributing factors in success of any
institutional repository. The paper is an attempt to highlight the necessary role of IR in building
the academic capabilities of research scholars in South Asian region. This paper focuses on
perception evaluation of research scholars regarding IR in terms of awareness, and availability of
IR. A questionnaire based survey method has been employed to collect data from research
scholars. It has been found that most of the participants are aware of the existence of the IR. They
showed that they are capable to use IR. The study will be helpful in providing practical
implications for other institutions to initiate IR.
Keyword :
Institutional Repository (IR), Open Access Publishing (OAP) Pakistan, Information Need, Awareness, Availability