A Study of Institutional Repository of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), and its Compatibility with Scientific Criteria

One of the most important duties of universities is to research and produce knowledge. Institutional repositories are a major gateway for the management of information and knowledge representing and making accessible the intellectual products of a university. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM) has established its institutional repository named the System for Management of Scientific Information of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (SIMAD) since 2006. The aim of this research is to identify and develop the specifications of an appropriate institutional repository and to investigate the extent to which SIMAD’s features match with such specifications. Survey research and case study were implemented from institutional, users, and system aspects. Three different data collection approaches and tools were employed. The specifications of an appropriate institutional repository were grouped in six categories. These categories formed the basis of data analysis. According to the results, in regard to preparing guidelines, documentation and usage some changes and developments should be taken into consideration. In terms of management and administration of the process of storage and submitting of documents, SIMAD is at average level of efficiency.