Digital Commons Network^™

Challenges And Lessons Learned: Moving From Image Database To Institutional Repository, Mary E. Piorun, Lisa A. Palmer, James F. Comes

Lisa A. Palmer

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the Lamar Soutter Library's effort to build an educational image database, and how the project developed into an institutional repository.

Design/methodology/approach– The paper is divided into three phases and highlights the organizational, political, technological and resource issues that are unique to a specialized library with a medium-sized staff, lacking the resources of a traditional university campus. The case concludes with a list of barriers and facilitators to success and a summary of lessons learned.

Findings– The paper finds that a library with limited staff, funding, and systems development …