How to evaluate an institutional repository system: a case study

Abstract

Information management in universities and academic environments was a critical issue for their managers in late years. Some infrastructures like academic websites suggested as a solution but they had other problems such as out of dating information. So many universities have developed information management systems for managing their intellectual properties in recent years. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM) has established its institutional repository named the SAED since 1385 (2006). The purpose of this research is to assessing the SAED from technical aspects. Evaluating research and case study were selected for implementing the research. Data collection tool was a checklist which was constructed by the researchers. Findings revealed that SAED is at average level of technical specifications, overall. But Content management & Accessibility aspects have no good efficiency may be effect on usefulness of the system. So user centered approach must be applied in system redesigning and improving. Though Archiving & System support have suitable situation, increasing of users and data may be challengeable in future.

Keywords

• Institutional repository
• Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
• Information management system
• SAED
• Evaluating of information management system
• Evaluation criteria
• Institutional repository software