Towards user responsive institutional repositories: a case study
| Published date | 01 April 2006 |
| Pages | 173-182 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830610669556 |
| Date | 01 April 2006 |
| Author | Rea Devakos |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORIES IN
CANADA
Towards user responsive
institutional repositories: a case
study
Rea Devakos
Information Technology Services, University of Toronto Library, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Purpose – To report on the University of Toronto’s implementation of an institutional repository.
Design/methodology/approach – Describe decision making process. A range of qualitative
research methods were used to solicit early adopter and library concerns. Findings were then used to
guide implementation.
Findings – Provides the rational behind decisions made. Argues that modified qualitative research
methods may be useful to new library projects.
Research limitations/implications – The report is specific to an institution.
Practical implications – Prioritizing actions, focusing on faculty and leveraging resources, notably
student assistants is key.
Originality/value – This paper provides practical information and a model which may be useful for
others implementing repository services or other emerging technologies.
Keywords Digital libraries,Qualitative research, Academiclibraries
Paper type Case study
Institutionalrepositories (IRs)face a seemingly endless set of interrelatedchallenges. How
can we attract content? How can we integrate IRs into the academic landscape, both
conceptuallyand into the nitty grittyof the academe’s workday? Whatdo we do first? And
how do we fund all this?Perhaps the most important challengeis how to move initiatives
like IRs forwardwith so little information and inoften stretched fiscal times? Thisarticle
does notand cannot purport to answer these questions.What it does do is outline a process
and the associated results which have guided the development of the University of
Toronto’s (U of Ts)IR. The core learning “stay close to your user”may seem self-evident,
but we all know it is incredibly difficult to do. Informing rapid planning cycles with
document reviews and open ended interviews has not only proved useful, but doable.
Background
The U of T is a public research university. Founded in 1827, the U of T is Canada’s
largest university. Teaching programs in 17 academic divisions are held on the historic
downtown campus, two suburban campuses and in nine fully affiliated teaching
hospitals. There are 67,692 students and 11,365 faculty and staff. The federated library
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
User responsive
institutional
repositories
173
Received November 2005
Accepted January 2006
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 24 No. 2, 2006
pp. 173-182
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830610669556
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