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Repositories - communicating the idea
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r.bruce

User Profile Image r.bruce
Member since : Jul-17-2008 (Verified)
1 Ideas, 1 Comments, 4 Votes

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When we use the term repository in the context of JISC(and other repository networks) essentially it means making content (in our case produced as part of research, learning and teaching) available over the network so it can be shared and used. But the word doesn’t say that. The word says store. We should be saying what we mean. We should really be talking about making content available on the web? And if concerned with preserving content talk about doing that etc. The term repository has almost become meaningless because so many uses and functions are bundled up together under that term.
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r.bruce 1 year ago
I'm glad to see some discussion! I think the term repository is fine if we use it when it is appropriate and say what we mean.
For example a repository might be for dissemination only or its primary focus might be as a preservation environment or it can be both. But What has ended up happening is all types of conversations and developments centre around the word and the system. It has been a useful term (and movement) to get issues to fore. I suppose in some ways supporting that view of Cliff Lynch's in 2003 that repositories are a nexus point. But in terms of policy and funding I think it can be argued that there is too much focus on the term, and that there are many assumptions made when it is used but these assumptions can just be plain wrong. For example if you talk about repositories some would assume that means Open Access - however perhaps a repository is being used to share resources between a particular group. Or often we talk about repositories when really we're talking about managing research data and making it available - repositories have a role in this but so do other services. So I suppose what I'm really proposing is more careful and thoughtful use of the term. As Adrian says, and Chris indicates - the horse has already bolted and perhaps it is too late...however I'd hope we can improve our understanding and use of term.