JISC

The repository start-up project at Edge Hill will create and populate an institutional repository to improve the storage, preservation, and use of the University's research outputs.

Edge Hill has a growing research community, including eight research centres, and the University was granted Research Degree Awarding Powers in 2008. Our experience in preparing for RDAP highlighted the current lack of effective collation of research outputs, and given the increase in research activity that will follow the award of RDAP, creating an institutional repository is an urgent priority for Edge Hill. In setting up and embedding a repository, we aim to realise the following benefits:

• increased visibility of research output, and therefore potentially greater impact
• better storage and management of digital research content
• greater sharing of knowledge and improved scholarly communication
• greater visibility of digitally born multimedia content a bank of easily accessible research outputs that could be drawn
  upon for teaching purposes.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the opportunity to organise and preserve digitally born, non-text-based outputs, such as performance videos, which have so far been stored within the University on an ad hoc basis. Edge Hill is very active in the areas of Media, Performing Arts and Sport, and we hope that increasing the accessibility and visibility of work in these subjects will benefit both research and teaching and learning.

The selection and implementation of the repository will be based on an analysis of user needs to ensure the chosen solution is the best fit for Edge Hill. Throughout the project, we will maintain a focus on advocacy and promotion to ensure both the cultural embedding of the repository within the institution and its sustainability after the end of project funding.

Lead Institution

• Edge Hill University