UK RepositoryNet+

The JISC-funded UK RepositoryNet+ (RepNet) project is undergoing key decision-making stages regarding provision of new services for the UK repository network. RepNet aims to establish a curation service to sustain universities in the Open Access agenda and support improvement in research information management, specifically providing managers of institutional repositories with shared services.

A one-day workshop took place at Open Repositories 2012 (see accompanying article on this page) involving previously selected RepNet Wave 1 components, such as the EDINA Repository Junction Broker/Organisation and Repository Identification deposit tool, Mimas IRUS-UK usage reporting feature and the CRC-University of Nottingham RoMEO and JULIET Open Access policy directories. The RepNet workshop aimed to promote discussion with the repository community on potential new services arising from component integration and subsequent gap analysis.

A round of consultations is now under way for final selection of the RepNet Wave 2 components, which will feature new functionality for improving efficiency at item deposit and discoverability level as well as reporting features across the UK repository network, possibly including guidance on institutional payment mechanisms for supporting the transition towards an Open Access publishing model.

Finally, the OR2012 Conference served the RepNet purpose of establishing links with international projects and initiatives working on the enhancement of repository networks. Identification of potential synergies and opportunities for collaboration with stakeholders like OpenAIRE European Project or the Confederation of Open Access Repositories (COAR) was the focus of several meetings, aiming to ensure international compatibility of proposed solutions to common issues.

UK RepositoryNet+