Shared repository

What is the shared repository?

Organisations can use the Shared Repository to store access copies of NZ digital items that have nowhere else to be hosted. The service is designed as an access repository of last resort for those digital items that would otherwise not be publicly available. It is suitable for small digital collections.

The service includes simple metadata management and object upload facilities, and all repository items are automatically shared via the DigitalNZ APIs and search features. This is different from the basic DigitalNZ search service that only aggregates metadata, in that this system can actually hold digital objects and allow metadata to be edited.

The service was originally developed to hold open-access research outputs, but it is now available for other types of material.

Who can load material into the shared repository?

Priority goes to Crown Research Institutes, government departments and other organisations who hold research material. But any organisation who has NZ digital items that are not otherwise publicly available is eligible.

Within these organisations, staff can be granted rights to load up and administer the digital objects themselves.

Who can access research in the shared repository?

There is no native Shared Repository website where people can go to see the materials; instead, items are automatically shared via digitalnz.org. All items in the Shared Repository are publicly accessible via DigitalNZ, as there is no private or protected access option available.

How much does it cost to participate in the shared repository (e.g. set up an ongoing annual fee/subscription)?

The Shared Repository is currently available at no cost. Although, remember that it is only suitable as an access repository for small digital collections. There are no immediate plans to recover costs for this service but we reserve the right to introduce costing models at a later date should ongoing funding for the service be required. You will be notified by email if a costing model is being considered and may choose to discontinue your use of the Shared Repository.

What about copyright?

When you deposit a copy of an item into the Shared Repository you are in most cases creating a new "copy" of that object. This means that you need to have copyright or a copyright licence to place it in the repository, unless the item is out of copyright.

If the item is a published work, check the publishing contract to see what copies are and aren’t allowed.

Copyright ownership does not change hands when you place material in the repository and will continue to be retained either by the author/s or the publisher. We are not asking or encouraging you to transfer copyright.

What is the relationship between the shared repository, DigitalNZ, and NZResearch?

NZResearch migrated to the DigitalNZ platform in 2011. Items in the Shared Repository can be included in NZResearch via the DigitalNZ APIs.

How will you preserve the items in the shared repository?

The Shared Repository is designed as an "access repository", that will make digital items publicly accessible for the lifetime of the service. No mechanism for long-term digital preservation has been designed. If you are concerned about the long-term preservation of your materials please discuss this with us, and we can put you in contact with other experts in this field.

What kind of support is available to me as a user of the shared repository?

DigitalNZ staff are available to support you in your use of the Shared Repository system-including training on how to use the system and troubleshooting. Contact info@digitalnz.org for support.

A straight-forward user guide is available:

DigitalNZ shared repository user guide (DOC/157 KB)

DigitalNZ shared repository user guide (PDF/362 KB)

How do I begin?

Review the terms of use for the Shared Repository then get in touch via info@digitalnz.org. We’ll discuss the options with you.