Considering Creative Activity in Institutional Repositories: An Exploration of Faculty Perceptions

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Institutional repositories capture the intellectual output of a specific institution, but this often does not include the creative works done by those in the fine arts. METHODS In-depth interviews with faculty in fine arts disciplines were used to explore their perceptions of institutional repositories and to uncover any benefits or barriers they identify when they consider their creative work within an institutional repository. Fourteen faculty from architecture, art, dance, film, music, and theater were interviewed, with an emphasis on the performing arts. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Benefits included the accessibility of works within the institutional repository (IR) to the wider public, the ability to use deposited content for promotional purposes, and the connection the repository has to the institution. Barriers included financial concerns, uncertainty about what would happen with the ownership of their work, copyright, how to share their contributions in collaborative works, and the added time it might take to deposit materials. Faculty also had several expectations. By understanding fine arts faculty perceptions, libraries can improve outreach to these disciplines regarding repository services and be prepared to include the types of works being created in the arts, if appropriate.