Development and implementation of an institutional repository within a Science, Engineering and Technology Environment

Abstract

Parallel to the Open Source Software movement, there is an increased demand and need for free, open access to information resources. The Open Access initiative is characterized by two strategies: namely the promotion of self-archiving or, alternatively, publishing of research articles in open-access journals. The purpose of an Institutional Repository (IR) is to provide a suitable archival environment for the self-archiving of digital items. This study provides a clear understanding of the issues surrounding the implementation of an IR. Issues discussed include software selection, as well as the development, implementation and marketing of an IR. An equally important issue is individual skills development. Attention is given to the development of the policies that are required by an organization and its main stakeholders. These policies form an essential part of the development of an information system. Issues such as acceptance, usage, population, and management of the repository are reported on. The actual work that was done at the CSIR is used as a case study. The implementation process at the CSIR and the subsequent lessons learnt are used to highlight some of problems experienced and how these problems were solved. Issues that still need investigation, e.g. long-term preservation, are discussed.