Subject Access in New Zealand Institutional Repositories: What Is the Best Method with Consideration to the Self-Archiving Author

Abstract

The present study examines the experiences of authors applying subject access to their work that has been deposited online to an institutional repository. To investigate this research problem, a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was adopted. Research questions focused on the authors' preferred methods, difficulties encountered applying controlled vocabulary compared to keywords, and feelings on the adequacy of the predefined list of subject terms. An exploration into the scope of social tagging in an IR environment is also provided. The application of keywords is considered the preferred method of subject access from the authors' perspectives. Questions of adequacy of the controlled vocabulary currently used in New Zealand IRs arose throughout the investigation. The adequacy of the controlled vocabulary had implications on the level of difficulty and emotions experienced by the participants. Collaboration between librarians, academic staff and authors, a user-centric focus and acknowledgement of the nature of IRs were found to be recurring themes throughout the investigation and aligned with those of the initial literature review. Consideration to these elements could aid in the experience of authors applying subject access to their research within the IR environment.