An institutional repository for Nottingham Trent University
Repositories start-up project
Nottingham Trent University will develop a repository for the storage of a wide variety of materials, teaching and learning, research and institutional in an eclectic variety of formats integrated into a single search mechanism which addresses all the locations we store information. Essentially we want to build a location for anything and everything which will extend the body of knowledge held by the University for the benefit and extension of our members.
Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this project is to research, specify, procure and implement an institutional repository which enables the management of a wide range of digital assets. The core of the repository will be the digital archive of the University’s research output. This is primarily defined by the RAE process and focuses on peer-reviewed post-publication outputs or post-prints. However, the repository will not merely duplicate existing channels of scholarly publication, but will also include a range of grey literature.
The specific objectives are
- Resolving the integration of all types of media in one repository; not just text based items
- Creation of cross data source searching; integration of the repository into existing searches e.g. Nottingham Trent’s eSearch service based on software from ExLibris (SFX and Metalib); web searching
- Integration with a Virtual Learning Environment as design feature, rather than reverse engineered
- Creation of processes for validation and population of the repository
- Ensuring ongoing data management
- Archive and retirement
- Embedding the repository within the culture of the University
Project Methodology
Nottingham Trent University is in the process of reviewing and developing an institutional wide approach to Information Management. As part of this work we have identified that a number of external drivers highlight the need to increase the profile of and access to Nottingham Trent University’s research output and other scholarly works. We are also looking at ways in which we can effectively manage the Intellectual Property of the University.
Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes
- An institutional repository for Nottingham Trent University
- Phase 1 will include: legal copies of publications listed in the NTU Research Publications Database; eTheses submitted by PhD students (following a change in Research Degree Regulation); Learning Objects generated by the NTU Educational Development Unit
- Phase 2 will focus on grey literature and image collections
- Collections Policy and Procedure manuals for defining the content of the repository; the means by which items are deposited in the repository; ongoing management of the repository. The Collections Policy will include: legal copies of publications lists in the NTU Research Publications Database; Approved Research Degree eTheses; Learning Objects created by the Educational Development Unit; image collections replacing analogue slide, audio and video resources; grey literature as defined
- Promotion campaign to market the repository and its benefits to the academic community
- System related documentation, including Disaster recovery procedures
- Reports for publication on project implementation, post implementation review and cultural change implications
Project Staff
Project Executive
Project Manager
Project Team