Conventional approaches to repository development and management have focused upon the adoption and use of open source software to build localized and customized repositories, both from a developer and a repository manager’s point of view. American universities have employed large teams to administer and manage their repositories, requiring tremendous and expensive effort.

The cost of this approach has prevented many, if not most, university libraries from establishing robust digital library efforts. While well-funded efforts take quantum leaps forward, regional schools are still trying to identify and retain staff who can assist them in the basics of repository management. The scholarly and cultural record from these institutions is at risk.

The Texas Digital Library is one of efforts in the United States seeking to join together to provide like resources and a community for users across a geographically and culturally diverse landscape where siloed efforts have often been the norm, and frequently rewarded. The TDL seeks to provide affordable, shareable repository infrastructure and a central point of community for technologists and librarians to work together and share knowledge in a state where “going it alone” has been considered a virtue.

Presentation at Open Repositories 2014, Helsinki, Finland, June 9-13, 2014

General Track, "Repository Rants" 24x7 Presentations

The session was recorded and is <a href="https://connect.funet.fi/p9fxr52wxiv/">available for watching</a> (this presentation starts at 1:36:45).