An Assessment of Academic Database Subscription Management in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Research has remained a key expectation of universities all over the globe, and supporting the research effort of academics is a key goal of libraries. Most of the support services is shown by the availability of current information provided by journals and current research output. The paper is an overview of the concept, types of databases and vendors of popular databases, current practices and some identified bias in the subscription process in most universities in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for the study is a descriptive survey research with questionnaires used to solicit responses from participants using Google form. The paper also recommends effort in building local-based content but globally available databases to increase intellectual contribution to the body of knowledge. Government support in the area of curriculum and general standards to reduce bias towards local content. Consortium-managed subscription to international databases to reduce the cost burden on individual institutions and improve access to rich sources of information.