Building and Managing a Successful Digital Repository in DSpace

DSpace is an open source digital repository application that can be used by any organization to provide permanent access to their digital works. The software is free and open source, meaning anyway can download and customize the application to fit their needs. The software was initially developed by MIT and HP labs, and made open source in 2002. The platform was adopted quickly by numerous organizations around the world, as it was easy to use and provided broad access to much of the key intellectual output produced in digital form. Currently there are over 300 organizations in 42 countries using DSpace. The majority of these organizations are college and university libraries.

In the first several years after DSpace gained adoption, many organizations noted they were having trouble getting traction on campus to entice users to deposit content into their repository. This presentation will discuss the common issues faced across the community, several case studies on what libraries did to promote their repository and engage users, and how the DSpace application has evolved to better address the needs of the end users.

In 2007 the DSpace Foundation was established to provide support to the DSpace community and further the advancement of the DSpace platform. The presentation will touch on the role of the Foundation as it relates to helping the community become more successful in managing a digital repository.

Michele Kimpton
DSpace Foundation

Jeffrey Trimble
Youngstown State University

Holly Mercer
University of Kansas

William Simpson
University of Delaware