ERIC Number: ED504166
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Jan
Pages: 52
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Research Library's Role in Digital Repository Services: Final Report of the ARL Digital Repository Issues Task Force
Association of Research Libraries
Libraries are making diverse contributions to the development of many types of digital repositories, particularly those housing locally created digital content, including new digital objects or digitized versions of locally held works. In some instances, libraries are managing a repository and its related services entirely on their own, but often they are working closely with other stakeholders at their institutions to jointly develop repository services. The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Digital Repository Issues Task Force was charged to evaluate trends, contextualize repository activities among ARL libraries, and recommend leadership roles and activities for ARL. Foundational questions for the study include: (1) Looking across library engagement in the current repository environment, what are common concerns and questions? (2) What are some of the strategies and options for service deployment? (3) What can be said about where today's environment is headed? (4) How should research libraries position themselves to succeed in digital repository service development? and (5) What issues need attention in the near term and which should ARL and its member institutions focus on? Four key issues are discussed: (1) Building services around new content and old content in new forms; (2) Engaging with a larger networked environment; (3) Attending to emergent requested services; and (4) Sustainability. Potential strategies and roles for research libraries are discussed. The Task Force members believe that researchers and scholars with access to a spectrum of repository services will possess a substantial advantage in conducting cutting edge research, delivering high quality teaching, and contributing valuable services to society, and that libraries have the key strengths and missions necessary to undertake various roles in repository service development. Summary of responses from other organizations regarding activities around digital repositories is appended. A selected bibliography is included. (Individual report sections are noted. Contains 1 figure, 5 sidebars, and 12 notes.)
Descriptors: Research Libraries, Library Role, Electronic Libraries, Library Services, Library Networks, User Needs (Information), Sustainable Development, Program Implementation, Institutional Cooperation, Futures (of Society), Information Technology, Library Materials, Library Policy
Association of Research Libraries. 21 Dupont Circle NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20046. Tel: 202-296-2296; Tel: 301-362-8196; Fax: 202-872-0884; e-mail: pubs@arl.org; Web site: http://www.arl.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association of Research Libraries
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A