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

摘要

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.