maturation of institutional repositories

I'm attending a session on the maturation of SMARTech, the institutional repository at Georgia Tech University. Catherine Jannik is leading this session. Like WSU's Research Exchange system, SMARTech uses the DSpace software stack as a foundation. One point made by Jannik is that while Georgia Tech libs began with the idea of building the repository with faculty submissions, the need for submissions performed by library staff for campus departments became obvious. As the repository has matured, submissions by research faculty have become significant (if you include student submission of ETDs), in part due to the fact that the repository's benefits are clearer, now that the repository more heavily populated.

Jannik is describing one deposit benefit, increasing the visibility of deposited content. Used in combination with DSpace's RSS support, deposit into the repository can increase its visibility to department chairs and colleagues. She also listed some additional content, digital materials related to electronic journals, conferences, lecture series, and events.

During the session, Jannik described some additional content that's been recruited and deposited into SMARTech: audio (downloadable and streamed) for locally-produced television; brochures and online newsletters for campus departments.

Great session, some great ideas for moving WSU ResEx forward!