Bandung, 2025 — A recent study by Diah Ayu Merdekawati, Prof. Ninis Agustini D. M.,Lib, and Dr. Edwin Rizal highlights the role of the Ganesha Digital Library (GDL) as an institutional repository at the ITB Library. The research examines the processes of collecting, organizing, and disseminating scientific works by ITB’s academic community through GDL.
Approaching with observation, interviews, literature reviews, and triangulation, the study found that since the issuance of the ITB Rector’s Decree on Scientific Work Submission, students and faculty are required to deposit digital copies of their works in GDL. However, only abstracts are accessible online, while full-text access is restricted to ITB Library premises.
GDL was developed by the Knowledge Management Research Group (KMRG) ITB in 2000 as an open-source digital repository software. It enables the digitization and protection of intellectual works such as theses, dissertations, research papers, and proceedings. Metadata and file protection are applied to prevent plagiarism and ensure the quality of academic publications.
Despite its robust features, the research notes that many of GDL’s functions remain underutilized by both users and library staff. A major challenge lies in the limited number of skilled librarians available to manage submissions, especially during graduation periods when submissions surge.
Another key issue is the restricted access to full-text works outside the ITB Library’s network, which contrasts with the global open access repository movement advocating wider dissemination of academic knowledge. The study recommends ITB to adopt self-upload systems and enhance the use of GDL’s features to improve accessibility and efficiency.
This study underscores GDL’s strategic role in supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by strengthening Indonesia’s digital research infrastructure, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting more equitable access to scientific knowledge across academic and public communities.
Full article available at: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250123143808_3833.pdf
Writers: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena Firdaus, Shelpi Nur Awaliyah
