Dealing with DSpace: the experience at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the challenges of implementing DSpace at the Main Library at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago and highlights the creation of a digitization project at the Main Library that was used to promote DSpace to faculty members on the St Augustine Campus.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the Main Library's decision to implement an institutional repository using the DSpace platform, looking at the submissions of the Michael Goldberg Collection of Postcards and the University of the West Indies theses abstracts over a period of one year.

Findings

The paper reveals that significant attention must be given to factors such as selection, content management, finance, training, metadata, security and copyright in setting up an institutional repository on the DSpace platform. It also concludes that the Main Library is yet to explore fully the capabilities of the DSpace software. Despite the constraints, it is clear that there are enormous benefits to be derived from utilizing DSpace to promote the intellectual output of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine and consequently the Main Library will continue to map a way forward in the realm of DSpace.

Originality/value

The research draws upon the DSpace experience of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine and serves as a model for future projects in the implementation of the DSpace software, particularly in developing countries.

Citation

Winter, M. and Bowen‐Chang, P. (2010), "Dealing with DSpace: the experience at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine", New Library World, Vol. 111 No. 7/8, pp. 320-332. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801011059948