Development of Institutional Repositories in Academic and Research Universities in India

Abstract

Institutional repositories emerged as a new strategy that allows universities and research institutions to apply serious, systematic leverage to accelerate changes taking place in scholarship and scholarly communication through the digital content. The increased demand for scholarly information, especially in science and technology demands scholarly societies and universities for centralized access to institutional rich resources revealing the scientific output. Digital publishing, global networking, more research, and increased communication among communities of scholars are driving the demand for broader access. The paper explores the essence of developing Institutional Repositories as a hidden treasure to the academic and research community providing its conceptual development. Further, mentions the issues to be considered before developing institutional repository in the form policy documentation on the part of the institution. The initiatives undertaken by the Academic and Research Libraries in India towards building Institutional Repositories have also been highlighted.