Linking repositories: Scoping the development of cross‐institutional user‐oriented services

Awre, Chris; Swan, Alma

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the linking repositories study was to conduct research to identify appropriate sustainable technical and organisational models to support the development of end-user oriented services across repositories. The work covered four overlapping strands: user and community requirements, roles and responsibilities, technical architecture and infrastructure, and business and management models. Design/methodology/approach - Interviews, focus groups and a questionnaire were used to elicit the knowledge held. This information was combined with a literature review and reported alongside the proposed models derived from an analysis of the information gathered. Findings - Five distinct groups of end-users were identified and their respective roles and responsibilities identified. Relevant services to serve these groups were also identified and a services model constructed showing the relationships between them. An aggregation model is proposed to support technical development. A range of business models are suggested, each of which may be applicable in different circumstances. Research limitations/implications - The models contain a series of recommendations for subsequent research and testing to establish the relative merits of the models proposed and develop these further. Practical implications - The technical model in particular makes a number of practical recommendations for how repositories need to be structured so as to best support end-user services. These are complementary to recommendations on repository management. Originality/value - The research reported in this paper represents a consolidation of views reported previously, and a novel analysis of this information to assist in taking repository service development further.

Citation

Awre, C., & Swan, A. (2007). Linking repositories: Scoping the development of cross‐institutional user‐oriented services. OCLC Systems and Services, 23(4), 372-381. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750710831510

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 31, 2007
• Publication Date: Nov 6, 2007
• Journal: OCLC Systems and Services
• Print ISSN: 1065-075X
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 372-381
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750710831510
• Keywords: Education; Library and Information Sciences; Information Systems
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/396248