KIU launches digital library

EDUCATION

KAMPALA - Kampala International University (KIU) has launched a digital library aimed at improving the ranking of the university and to attract more funding.

The repository is a digital collection of over 754 research publications output from Kampala International University stakeholders.

The digital library serves as an avenue for KIU to display research outputs on the web and as a permanent preservation.

It contains journal articles, Masters and Doctoral theses and conference papers. A variety of rare materials such as reports and dataset are also included.

David Bukenya, the deputy chief university librarian of Uganda Christian University (UCU) explained the importance of digital library as enhancing the visibility of the university, attracting funders and preservation of information for long term.

The vice chancellor of Kampala International University, Dr Mouhamad Mpezamihigo cautioned the university officials to guard against copyright abuse and plagiarism.
 
Mpezamihigo noted that the integrated repository will deliver quality education after the regulator National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) has given a green light.

A cross section of chief university librarians react to the proceedings during the launch

 
He appealed to post graduate students, lecturers and other scholars to take advantage of the repository.

Dr Janice Busingye, the university secretary of Kampala International University appealed to scholars not to be selfish with their work but to share it with others.

The chairperson of consortium of Uganda university libraries, Jesca Karungi said digital contributes to the advancement of research by providing literature information.

She noted that the repository improves the university rankings depending on the number of articles published in the journals and preservation of information.

Dr Ruth Nalumaga, the deputy chief librarian of Makerere University said digital library is the way to go as library budgets are declining every financial year.

She noted that open access for scholarly work is free so that other researchers can access the information.