SHERPA-LEAP: A consortial model for the creation and support of academic institutional repositories

Purpose To introduce SHERPA-LEAP, a model for the consortial development, population and support of eprints repositories. Design/methodology/approach The organisational and technical structures of the consortium are described, including a brief summary of central and local resource responsibilities. Some positive and negative aspects of a consortial approach to institutional repository development, and of the SHERPA-LEAP model in particular, are identified. Outstanding issues and future plans for the consortium are outlined. Findings SHERPA-LEAP is found to be succeeding in its aims of developing and supporting eprints repositories within the federal University of London. Some lessons learned from the SHERPA-LEAP approach are identified, but the SHERPA-LEAP consortial model is found to have been mostly beneficial to the participating institutions. In particular, the networking and experience-sharing opportunities which any consortial solution will facilitate are highlyvalued by the SHERPA-LEAP partners. Value The case study is intended to help to inform the decision-making of institutions and consortia which are considering consortial solutions to the establishment and maintenance of institutional repositories.