Shared-operation models for institutional repositories

Abstract

The institutional repositories of most university libraries in Korea are not activated due to the lack of finance, operation ability, technology, etc., and this phenomenon is especially noticeable in small–medium sized university libraries. Thus, as in other countries, a shared repository that multiple libraries share, based on a library network, is required. This study categorizes the typology of shared repositories, after analyzing the operational methods of managing roles, expenses and system sharing among participants in shared repositories in Japan, the UK and the USA. Based on the findings, two models that could be applied in Korea are suggested. The first is a centralized-operation model that involves a shared-system infrastructure in which the host institution takes full charge of the digitization and registration of contents, etc. This model has the potential to be developed into a regional archive center. The second model is a decentralized-operation model that also features a shared-system infrastructure but the participating institutions customize the system individually. Here, the individual institutions perform digitization of all content, daily registration, etc., which can be applied as a test bed for the creation of new technology, considering the potential for independent operation in the future.