Vision and Purpose
Open Repository Role
In today’s global research landscape, Ireland’s leadership in open research is critical to maintaining its competitive edge. Achieving the national strategy of 100% open access requires a viable, nationally coordinated Green OA alternative to counteract the stark financial pressures of the current academic publishing model, which has inequitable APCs and unsustainable big-deal subscriptions.
Leaders have a real opportunity to swiftly and coordinatedly align open repository infrastructure with international standards, alongside focused investment and strategic alignment across institutions.
The NORF OA Repositories project has identified key areas of concern that require immediate action to safeguard and enhance institutional open repositories nationally. The recommended actions for leaders will strengthen the infrastructure, visibility, and sustainability of open research in Ireland. This is underpinned by a well-resourced open repository community backed by leaders, policymakers, and a collective of related national initiatives driven by the National Action Plan for Open Research.
Recommended Actions
| Challenge | Action |
|---|---|
| Visibility and Outreach | Align repository efforts with institutional strategies and enhance visibility through targeted outreach and collaboration. |
| Metadata Quality and Compliance | Encourage staff to adopt consistent metadata standards, work with Open Repositories Ireland, and provide staff training and support. |
| Resources | Support local staffing and advocate for national funding in technical infrastructure and training. |
Why Open Repositories?
- Provide free and open access to research
- Manage and preserve your institution’s valuable research outputs
- Participate as a node in a growing non-commercial alternative (Diamond and Green) to the commercial publishing system.
