A model for a sustainable repository network in Serbia

Abstract

A model for developing and maintaining institutional repositories through cooperation of the University of Belgrade Computer Center (UBCC) with (so far, seven) research organizations is presented. It has resulted in improved visibility of local scientific output and has created an interoperable environment for information exchange. The infrastructure is developed and maintained by the UBCC IT team, whereas each institution has its own repository manager responsible for content.

The main focus in developing institutional repositories is compliance with Open Science principles, standardized metadata, licenses, reliance on the non-proprietary and open source platform (DSpace). The repositories are now harvested by aggregators and services (OpenAIRE, CORE, BASE, Unpaywall, Google Scholar).

This model is flexible, providing to new partners tested and optimized structure. It is also expandable, i.e. new services may be added, e.g. the Altmetric.com widget or in-house developed tools for massive metadata editing and import.

The model described could be interesting, especially for repository managers and users from developing countries. It is demonstrated that proper coordination and standardized procedures could lead to an interoperable and sustainable network of repositories in an environment with no repository infrastructure, ensuring optimal information exchange with users, both human beings or machines.