What's the Big IDeA?: Considerations for Implementing an Institutional Repository

Abstract

Continually increasing journal costs have pushed libraries and research institutions to consider alternative forms of scholarly publication. One such form is that of the institutional digital repository (IR). As an early implementer of DSpace, an open-source institutional digital repository software product, IUPUI offers those just beginning to think about IRs an overview of issues such as: choosing a repository platform, staffing and technology needs, metadata and controlled vocabulary concerns, promotion, and time challenges. While the article outlines the process IUPUI followed to create its own IR, the piece is universalized to address the concerns of any new IR implementer.