Herding cats: Designing DigitalCommons @ The Texas Medical Center, a multi‐institutional repository

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a pilot program implemented by the Houston Academy of Medicine‐Texas Medical Center Library and The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston to design the multi‐institutional repository for the Texas Medical Center.

Design/methodology/approach

The steps involved in the program are outlined and the lessons learned from the implementation are analyzed.

Findings

The success of the institutional repository depends on appropriate communication with faculty, a deep understanding of the publishing process, identifying appropriate partners, designing a flexible technology infrastructure, and engaging in active collaboration with key players. The Library is the logical center for this activity.

Practical implications

The paper should assist libraries with the unique activities involved in creating a viable multi‐institutional repository in a research‐intense academic medical environment.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes the challenges inherent in introducing institutional digital repositories to the academic medical community. Currently, institutional repositories are being developed in only a small percentage of the academic medical centers in the USA.

Citation

Krevit, L. and Crays, L. (2007), "Herding cats: Designing DigitalCommons @ The Texas Medical Center, a multi‐institutional repository", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 116-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/1065075071074844