Understanding the Role of Institutional Repository in Digital Preservation in Academic Libraries: A Review of Literature

Abstract

One of the leading objectives of the libraries is to provide the latest and timely information to its clientele and keep them updated with the new arrivals related to their subject areas. However, a limited storage capacity of libraries is throwing a challenge before librarians from the beginning of libraries. The latest developments in the libraries for information management, preservation, and dissemination involve a high rate of computer technologies. Institutional Repository (IR) is a new breed which has the potential to store any amount of information in little space and preserve it for a long-term perspective. Therefore, many of the academic libraries are enforced to develop their Institutional Repositories (IRs). The present study has started to find the solution to the burning problems before the academic libraries especially for planning, establishing, and maintaining the IRs for digital preservation. It is observed that the library managers are often confused when they asked to create IRs, design IR policy, motivated faculty, prepare budget estimates, etc. The study also covered various theoretical aspects related to the creation and maintenance of an IR in an academic environment and attempt to provide an understanding of digital preservation. The available literature about the significance of the IRs has revealed that the IRs are the need of the hour to showcase the research output of an institution. It does not only help to enhance the visibility of the intellectual work of faculties and researchers, but also support the scholarly communication among the academic community.