The Repository of Last Resort? Exploring the Role of Institutional Repositories in the Data Repository Ecosystem through Researcher Perspectives | Journal of eScience Librarianship

Abstract:  Objective: The data repository ecosystem is robust, and researchers have many choices when it comes to sharing their research data. This study aims to better understand what researchers value when choosing a data repository and how they perceive the role of the institutional repository in the larger ecosystem.

Methods: We sent out a survey to researchers who had deposited datasets in identified repositories or the institutional repository (IR). We received 40 responses, a 7.5% response rate. Ten survey participants were also invited to take part in interviews to expand on their experiences.

Results: Overwhelmingly, data repository users consider cost and convenience over repository features. Institutional repository users value the services offered by library staff and cite trust as a primary factor for using the IR. Differences in the two groups of users confirm our hypothesis that there is value in maintaining the IR for data deposits.

Discussion: Based on our results, we identified three user personas to guide our outreach strategy in the future. A targeted outreach strategy can help improve IR awareness and also attract additional users who may discover that the IR meets their data repository needs.