OpenDOAR and OpenAIRE Priority Repositories: An Update

OpenDOAR, is a Jisc-run, authoritative Directory of Open Access Repositories and each OpenDOAR repository listed has been reviewed by a member of staff to ensure that the OpenDOAR entry is accurate. This in-depth approach does not rely on automated analysis and gives a quality-controlled list of repositories. We currently have the original version and a new beta version of the directory, which enables making requests to be included easier to manage for both repository managers and for Jisc staff who run it. For the next few months, both versions can be used, but no new repositories can be added until after the 31^st of May 2018.

We prioritise updates to existing entries and new content from UK repositories due to our funding stream. Repositories which are part of OpenAIRE are also prioritised, because Jisc is an historical partner in the initiative, with stakes in OpenAIRE2020, OpenAIRE Advance, and OpenAIRE Connect, as well as previous projects related to them. To help OpenDOAR understand that the repository you are registering is part of OpenAIRE, which will allow us to fast-track submissions where necessary, please follow the tips below.

If as a repository manager, you are using the older version of the directory, click on the “suggest” tab in the upper right-hand corner, and after filling out all the pertinent information about your repository, please indicate in the “Description and/or Remarks” box that your repository is a priority for OpenAIRE:



If you are using version 2 of the directory, again click on the “suggest” tab in the upper right-hand corner, fill in all the pertinent information, and then click “yes” near the bottom of the page, which asks “are you joining OpenAIRE?” and then provide any additional information in the box directly below:



The submission form is the best method for submitting content to OpenDOAR. This enables us to keep a record of communication with the repository and ensures that such communications are in line with the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. Some users have been sending spreadsheets directly to the helpdesk or to members of staff, which has worked as an interim method when we were dealing with a backlog of repositories who needed to be included; however, a Google spreadsheet is unfortunately not searchable by our systems, which means it is harder to integrate with our service delivery workflows.

There have been a few instances where automatic replies have not been generated, and we apologise for any inconvenience that may have caused; we are working with our colleagues to identify and correct this. If you have any queries regarding your repository and whether or not we have received your request and are aware that it is an OpenAIRE priority, please get in touch: and again indicate in the subject line of your email that your repository is with OpenAIRE.