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Scholarly Commons @Augusta University

This guide offers information regarding the Augusta University institutional repository, Scholarly Commons.

Metadata

Commonly referred to as "data about data," metadata describes and gives information about other data. 

Handle

A handle is similar to journal-assigned DOI numbers. These persistent links are assigned by the repository and provide continued access to the record. The record handle should be included whenever referencing a repository item. 

Item

An item in the repository is any file associated with a record. Items may be percieved as the original document or file around which the record is built. 

Record

A record refers to the lowest level or organization in the repository. Records are built inside collections and contain information about the item(s) they hold. 

Reasons to contribute:

  • Archival
    • Persistent links, known as "handles," provide long-term access to records
    • Access new and old research in a single location
    • Records remain in repository even in the event an item is pulled from the public
      • This insures continued access through the persistent links 

  • Disseminate
    • Scholarly Commons makes Augusta University work available online to the public around the world
    • Scholarly Commons records are also available through Google Scholar which broadens the reach of the repository

  • Organization
    • Records are organized into University colleges, departments, institutions, and groups
    • Records can be mapped into several collections to fully represent the contributing members
      • "mapping" is when a single record appears in more than one collection
      • Increases the record's visibility
    • Metadata, including subject terms, publisher, and author, allows users to browse various limiters

  • University Supported
    • Scholarly Commons is managed by the University Libraries 
    • University Libraries provide support with copyright, metadata development, and record development
    • Articles previously included in PubMed may already be in Scholarly Commons
    • Scholarly Commons reflects the strength of the Augusta University scholarly output 

  • Visibility
    • Users can view entire communities or collections for item records, or limit their search by year, subject, type, and author
    • Google Scholar also searches Scholarly Commons, increasing the number of visitors from around the United States and the world
    • Google Analytics and Open Repository Site Statistics allow you to follow the breadth and reach of your work