Herding cats: Designing DigitalCommons @ The Texas Medical Center, a multi‐institutional repository
OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives
ISSN: 1065-075X
Article publication date: 5 June 2007
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.
Keywords
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
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited