The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Digital Repository Issues Task Force has released its final report. The task force was charged with evaluating trends, contextualising repository activities among ARL libraries, and recommending leadership roles and activities for ARL.
The report, 'The Research Library's Role in Digital Repository Services', identifies key issues surrounding repository development; explores common strategies that libraries are using; analyses relevant environmental trends; discusses issues where ARL and its member libraries should focus attention; and recommends actions for research libraries to undertake.
The report focuses on repository services generally, rather than concentrating on repository technologies or content. Repository services include services to authors, contributors and users, particularly of university-created content. Some examples of repository services provided by research libraries include long-term archiving and migration of content, dissemination and access management, metadata and format management, search and discovery tools, publishing and data mining. Illustrations drawn from a variety of digital repositories are used throughout the report.
The task force notes that, due to repository services' powerful potential to enable key work and enhance the effectiveness of functions across the research enterprise, research institutions cannot afford to do without such services, even in difficult economic times. Researchers and scholars with access to a spectrum of repository services possess a substantial advantage in conducting cutting-edge research, delivering high-quality teaching and contributing valuable services to society. Libraries have key strengths and missions requiring them to undertake various roles in repository service development. This report seeks to present a fresh perspective on the digital repository environment and is intended to inspire ARL member libraries and others to assess their views and plans for service development.
The report is available for free at the ARL website http://www.arl.org/bm~doc/repository-services-report.pdf.
