Using an institutional repository to address local‐scale needs: a case study at Purdue University

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the practical implications of using an institutional repository to address researchers' needs at a local‐scale.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on the process and results of a collaborative research project undertaken by the libraries and an interdisciplinary research center at Purdue University to identify and address the real‐world needs of the center using the libraries' institutional repository.FindingsThe paper finds that the local‐scale projects that address the more immediate needs of researchers have the potential to increase the utility of institutional repositories and attract the submission of new content. However, engagement in local‐scale projects requires a significant commitment of time and resources, and should not be undertaken lightly.Practical implicationsA thorough description of how the project was carried out offers a potential model for others to develop similar projects to address local‐scale needs.Originality/valueAlthough much has been written about content recruitment for institutional repositories, there are few reports or descriptions of institutional repositories being used to satisfy the local‐scale needs of researchers.