Institutional repositories in India: a preliminary study

Purpose This study aims to explore the various aspects of the development of institutional repositories (IRs), and especially the timeline involved beginning with planning, pilot testing, system implementation, exploratory activities conducted before implementation of the IR and its anticipated benefits. Design/methodology/approach A survey research method was used. The data collection tool applied for the study was an online questionnaire, which was created with the help of software provided by surveymonkey.com. Findings It has found that all institutions had done planning and pilot testing before implementation of an IR. “Attending institutional repository software implementation training and workshops” and “Demonstrating an operational institutional repository to my institution’s decision‐makers” were the most exercised exploratory activities. All respondents agreed on the benefit that an IR provides “Better service to contributors and institution’s learning community”. “Contributor’s lack of knowledge” was the most important inhibitor that impedes the web administrator’s ability to set up a successful institutional repository. Research limitations/implications Only Indian institutional repositories were studied. Originality/value This is one of the preliminary studies focusing the development of IRs in India. Paper type Research paper