REPOS(itory):A Modular Approach to Resource Building and Cross Collection Searching

MATRIX advanced multiple-project repository development through the research and development of its digital repository, called REPOS (itory). REPOS is a database driven, online digital repository that allows institutions to ingest, manage, and deliver digital objects and their corresponding metadata. REPOS is unique in that it can utilize any metadata scheme without altering its table structure or design, allowing multiple projects with vastly different collections and metadata to use the same architecture to create their own digital library. Because the same infrastructure is used for all projects, MATRIX can build dynamic ingestion and delivery applications that work for any project utilizing the system. This modular approach allows for the creation of new digital library collections in minutes and vastly reduces the cost of creating and delivering online projects. Because all projects are housed within the same database and table structure, cross-collection searching and resource building is made much easier. The net effect is that REPOS has provided institutions with a cost-effective digital library system that fully utilizes best practices within the discipline. To date, fourteen national and international institutions are using REPOS for their digital library collections.