A Qualitative Study On Driving Forces Behind The Management Of Institutional Repositories

Abstract

This article delves into the driving forces behind the management of institutional repositories (IRs), which have emerged as pivotal tools for preserving, managing, and disseminating scholarly work in academic institutions. Through a qualitative study, we aim to understand the motivations, challenges, and strategies employed by institutions in managing these repositories. Institutional repositories serve as a digital platform for academic institutions to store and share their intellectual output. This includes research papers, theses, dissertations, and other scholarly works. The management of these repositories is influenced by several factors, including the open access movement, the need for preservation and dissemination of scholarly work, and the desire to enhance institutional visibility and prestige. The open access movement, which advocates for unrestricted access to research outputs, has been a significant driving force behind the establishment and management of IRs. It has encouraged institutions to make their scholarly work freely available, thereby promoting transparency, collaboration, and innovation in research. Preservation and dissemination of scholarly work are also key motivations. IRs provide a platform for preserving academic work for future generations, ensuring that valuable knowledge is not lost. They also facilitate the dissemination of this work, making it accessible to a global audience and thereby increasing its impact. Institutional visibility and prestige are further driving forces. By showcasing their research output through IRs, institutions can enhance their reputation, attract potential students and faculty, and secure funding. However, the management of IRs is not without challenges. These include resource allocation, copyright issues, and data management. Institutions must allocate significant resources, both human and financial, to establish and maintain their repositories. They must also navigate complex copyright laws and negotiate with publishers for self-archiving rights. Furthermore, they must ensure the integrity, security, and accessibility of the data stored in their repositories. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of these driving forces and challenges, providing valuable insights for academic institutions. It contributes to the understanding of the dynamics involved in the management of institutional repositories and offers strategies for successful management. The findings of this study have implications for policy-making, strategic planning, and resource allocation in academic institutions.