Building an Outreach Plan for Your IR

I recently gained employment at the Georgia Institute of Technology as the inaugural Institutional Repository Librarian. In this position, I am stepping into the role of my predecessor, who served the Institute for more than 20 years. When someone with such deep institutional knowledge retires, it creates an opportunity to reflect on what has worked well and to reexamine areas that could benefit from improvement or innovation.

During my first six months at Georgia Tech, I have focused on learning the existing workflows, systems, and culture surrounding the repository while also contributing to several key projects. I assisted with a major DSpace upgrade, which ensured continued functionality and long-term sustainability of the platform. I also worked on enhancing documentation to make processes more transparent, replicable, and easier to maintain. At present, I am completing an outreach plan for the fall semester that is designed to strengthen engagement with the Georgia Tech community.

The institutional repository plays a vital role in preserving and disseminating the scholarly output of researchers, faculty, students, and staff. It is not only a record of the intellectual contributions of our community but also a means of sharing that work with the broader world. As the Institutional Repository Librarian, I believe it is essential to create intentional strategies that increase visibility, promote awareness, and encourage participation. By building strong relationships and showcasing the value of the repository, I aim to ensure it continues to reflect the excellence and innovation of the Institute.