State of the Institutional Repository 2016

Abstract

This report examines the collections, policies, general procedures and projects comprising the CSUN ScholarWorks Open Access Repository (SOAR) for the AY 2015-2016 and looks ahead to the coming AY 2016-2017 and beyond. The report begins by providing a breakdown of the repository as it is currently organized and populated. Overall the repository added approximately 6,800 items from April 2015 to June 2016, growing from 10,149 to 17,015; over 800,000 items were downloaded and 1.7 million records were viewed during this time. Repository indicators of success are also examined and analyzed for their levels of effectiveness. The indicators of success examined include: mandates, planning integration, funding models, proximity to digitization centers, interoperability (including linked data), measurement, and promotion strategies. The report also provides 10 future directions to improve the long-term viability of the repository. Rough timelines for short-, mid- and long-term planning goals are outlined and proposed. Recommendations and goals for the coming academic year include the following: 1) Complete ETDs CQF project (Phase IV completed by summer 2017); 2) Increase alumni involvement for larger open access ETD collections (write & submit CQF to fund student for this project for AY 2017-2018); 3) Continue outreach & collaborative efforts to reach faculty participants; 4) Including targeted advertising strategy and design SOAR paraphernalia (pamphlets, postcards, etc.); 5) Improve Scholar Spotlight outcomes (in progress) using 1Scence's oaFoldr citation data aggregation service; 6) Collaborate with Chancellor's Office to test next-generation repository platforms; 7) Propose and begin initial development of a scalable and sustainable "Center For Digital Scholarship" to address the multiple, growing needs of the CSUN faculty and to advocate for Open Access and library-centric digital publishing; [See Appendix A for brief proposal] focusing especially upon the following: 1) Design & implement a 'Services Portfolio' comprising: a) Repository Services (i.e.: Document Archive, OA Fund, Scholar Spotlight); b) Data Management Planning (DMP) Services; c) Faculty Publication Services (i.e.: OA journals & monograph publishing); d) Scholarly Communication Copyright/IP Consultation Services; e) University Archive Services; 2) Collaborate with and support other centers on campus, including MetaLab, Center for Digital Humanities (and others), for customized and prototype services and tools development.