A staged path to fully integrated CRIS & Repository

Abstract

In 2013, Haplo started working with the University of Westminster to build their CRIS on top of an innovative information management platform that drew inspiration from Repository technology. After succeeding in transforming other areas of research administration across the university, the system of record for the Repository was moved to the Haplo platform to take advantage of the high levels of user engagement and workflow support. Initially this integrated system used the EPrints API to publish outputs on the web through Westminster's existing EPrints instance. Challenges with the API and limitations of EPrints capabilities and schema constraining Repository functionality, along with increased institutional confidence in the Haplo CRIS, lead to Westminster moving to use Haplo Repository to publish their outputs on the web. This enabled adoption of Haplo features such as practise based research, portfolios and REF management functionality to be used, along with a public interface which reflects the University's branding. This case study will explore the technical and institutional policy decisions along the path to a fully integrated CRIS and Repository, and the challenges and advantages of this approach.