The pulsar of Institutional Repositories, in Portugal, under the eyes of (their) managers and administrators

Abstract

The Institutional Repositories (IR) are extremely important for the effective dissemination of scientific knowledge and the attention that the institution gives to its IR proves to be essential for determining strategies and the best management options. This management aims to publicize the RI service among the community of users who contribute to the population, making it more used and valued. The interventionist vision and monitoring, on the part of managers and administrators, proves to be vital within the scope of different approaches towards behavioral changes capable of having this effect on the academic body. Using a methodology based on the mixed methods paradigm - Mixed Methods Approach, an interview was carried out, between January and May 2021, with managers and administrators of the IR of public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), in Portugal, in a parallel between universities and polytechnic institutes. The study made it possible to demonstrate, in the opinion of managers and administrators, the global state of IR, the main reasons that inhibit the practice of self-archiving and the (non)compliance with Open Access Policies, by teachers and researchers, highlighting, almost for unanimity, lack of time, lack of knowledge of the role of IR and the lack of incentives and/or penalties. This research aims to be an important contribution to the enrichment of literature and encourage reflection on IR, encouraging a stronger intervention in its image. Being aware that these are a relevant vehicle for communicating science, it is necessary to rethink strategies to make teachers and researchers believe in the real importance of IR and boost its use.