Comparing Repository Types: Challenges and Barriers for Subject-Based Repositories, Research Repositories, National Repository Systems and Institutional Repositories in Serving Scholarly Communication

17 Pages Posted: 22 Nov 2009 Last revised: 15 Mar 2010

Date Written: November 23, 2009

Abstract

After two decades of repository development, some conclusions may be drawn as to which type of repository and what kind of service best supports digital scholarly communication, and thus the production of new knowledge.

Four types of publication repository may be distinguished, namely the subject-based repository, research repository, national repository system and institutional repository.

Two important shifts in the role of repositories may be noted. With regard to content, a well-defined and high quality corpus is essential. This implies that repository services are likely to be most successful when constructed with the user and reader uppermost in mind. With regard to service, high value to specific scholarly communities is essential. This implies that repositories are likely to be most useful to scholars when they offer dedicated services supporting the production of new knowledge.

Along these lines, challenges and barriers to repository development may be identified in three key dimensions: a) identification and deposit of content; b) access and use of services; and c) preservation of content and sustainability of service. An indicative comparison of challenges and barriers in some major world regions such as Europe, North America and East Asia plus Australia is offered in conclusion.

Keywords: Repository infrastructure, scholarly communication, scientific information, publication repository, subject-based repository, research repository, national repository system, institutional repository, deposit mandate, open access

JEL Classification: D23, H41, I28, L86, Z10

Suggested Citation

Armbruster, Chris and Romary, Laurent, Comparing Repository Types: Challenges and Barriers for Subject-Based Repositories, Research Repositories, National Repository Systems and Institutional Repositories in Serving Scholarly Communication (November 23, 2009). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1506905 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1506905

Chris Armbruster (Contact Author)

10,000 Data Scientists for Europe ( email )

Berlin
Germany

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.facebook.com/datascientistseurope/

Laurent Romary

INRIA ( email )

Saclay

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