Open AIR: The Development of the Institutional Repository at the Robert Gordon University

摘要

This brief description of the evolution of the institutional repository (IR) at the Robert Gordon University (RGU) outlines the principles that underpinned the development of the repository (visibility, sustainability, quality, and findability), some of the technical and financial implications that were considered, and its contribution to collection development. In common with most universities, The RGU Library had a growing collection of PhD theses produced by the students in hardbound format. These theses were stored in secure conditions where they took up a significant amount of shelf space and were accessible only through requests to Library staff. Conscious of how seldom many of these works were consulted, RGU was concerned to raise the visibility and impact of this type of research output (alongside efforts to publicise the overall research activity of its students and staff).