Reinventing the Library --How Repositories Are Causing Librarians to Rethink Their Professional Roles

Abstract

The rise of digital repositories is helping libraries reinvent themselves. The benefits to libraries and universities creating institutional repositories (IRs) are great as libraries restructure, pursue collaborations, and re-position themselves to become major digital publishers and broadcasters in the scholarly world. They will no longer be passive receivers of information but active disseminators of intellectual output for entire universities. This article explores the IR's role in overall library transformation and examines the organizational changes and internal partnerships necessary to strengthen IR programs. Specifically, the creation of digital library initiatives units as well as changes to other library units are discussed.