Role of Institutional Repositories (IRs) in Supporting Teaching, Learning and Research during Covid-19 in Kenyan Universities

The abrupt closure of universities in 2020 because COVID-19 forced many them to adopt online learning through various technological platforms. Institutional repositories (IRs), digital archives intellectual outputs universities, could be important education. However, there is a dearth empirical data on their ability support teaching, and research universities. This study aimed investigate the role IRs supporting Kenyan during Covid-19 identify challenges faced by usage IRs. was informed technology acceptance model adopted mixed method approach multiple-case (embedded) design. conducted four using sample 370 students, 322 academic staff 12 key informants, selected mix stratified, random, purposive sampling technique respectively. found that played crucial roles pandemic, with three out every respondents (n=424, 73%) it for research. Alarmingly, IR lowest, χ2 (4) = 73.462, p<0.0001, among senior-most (professors, associate professors, senior lecturers) relative junior students. Perceived lack usefulness difficulty use constituted major challenges. recommends improvement perceived ease enable better