DSpace 7

DSpace is the world leading open source repository platform that enables organisations to:

  • easily ingest documents, audio, video, datasets and their corresponding Dublin Core metadata
  • open up this content to local and global audiences, thanks to the OAI-PMH interface and Google Scholar optimizations
  • issue permanent urls and trustworthy identifiers, including optional integrations with handle.net and DataCite DOI

Join an international community of leading institutions using DSpace.

The test user accounts below have their password set to the name of this software in lowercase.

  • Demo Site Administrator = dspacedemo+admin@gmail.com
  • Demo Community Administrator = dspacedemo+commadmin@gmail.com
  • Demo Collection Administrator = dspacedemo+colladmin@gmail.com
  • Demo Submitter = dspacedemo+submit@gmail.com
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Communities in DSpace

Select a community to browse its collections.

Recent Submissions

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Empowering Communities through Webinars: a Case Study of University Library Outreach at Wayamba University Library Network
(University of Peradeniya, 2025-06-26) W.M. Thusithakumari; Weerasinghe , M.K.
This case study explores the use of webinars as a strategic research support service at the Wayamba University Library Network (WULN), with particular emphasis on their implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to examine how WULN adapted its library and outreach services to support academic research and knowledge dissemination among diverse communities through web-based seminars. Specifically, the study evaluates participation and engagement across a variety of webinar topics, considering key factors such as accessibility, digital literacy, inclusivity, user satisfaction, and ethnographic insights. The research analyzed data collected from webinars conducted by WULN from November 2021 and March 2024. The sessions were designed to enhance academic and research skills among participants and were structured to facilitate easy access and high levels of engagement. A mixed-method approach was adopted, integrating quantitative attendance data with qualitative feedback from participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of webinar effectiveness. A total of 1676 individuals participated in these webinars. Findings from the study indicated that webinars can significantly contribute to the transformation of library services by extending traditional service boundaries and fostering digital confidence and engaged learning. Many participants highlighted the accessibility and convenience of webinars, which allowed them to benefit from academic content without geographical constraints. However, the study also identified several limitations, including inconsistent attendance, technological barriers, and the need for better planning and delivery mechanisms. In response to these challenges, the study recommends the systematic collection of user feedback, the development of librarian training programs focused on online content delivery, and the removal of language-related access barriers to broaden the audience base. These improvements would support the sustained and effective use of webinars as an innovative tool for academic and community outreach. The WULN case study ultimately demonstrates that when thoughtfully implemented, webinars have the potential to overcome physical limitations and reposition university libraries as agile, responsive partners in education, research, and community engagement.
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Community Engagement through Public Libraries in Nepal: Outreach Initiatives in Gandaki Province
(University of Peradeniya, 2025-06-26) Min Kumari Dallakoti; Bhandari , Anita
Modern libraries extend beyond traditional four-wall services, actively engaging with communities to foster socio-economic and cultural development through diverse initiatives. The current study aims to analyze the community engagement of selected public libraries in Gandaki Province Nepal and their impact on literacy, digital skills, and community development. This study employed mixed method approach, including qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews of key persons of the concerned libraries and quantitative data obtained from the publication and social media. Data sources included interviews with key people, literature (books, journal articles, and theses), policy documents (government reports, regulations), national and international databases, and online resources (regulatory websites, news, and professional blogs). Out of 48 actively running public and community libraries, four libraries namely, Pokhara Public Library, Deepshikha Community Library, Vidhya Mandir Library, and Moti Community Library were purposively selected based on some criteria, such as, international collaboration and funding, historical background and performance, community engagement and sources of funding. This study found that these four libraries contributed to community literacy and education with distinct focuses. Vidhya Mandir Library preserved culture, Pokhara Public Library emphasized digital literacy and job support, Deepshikha Community Library promoted IT skills and women’s empowerment, and Moti Community Library specialized in vocational training and healthcare. They supported underprivileged students, provide digital training, and fostered leadership through women’s programs. Further these libraries promoted health, social inclusion, and outreach initiatives such as book donations and environmental campaigns. They also aided career development through CV writing, counseling, and training. It is concluded that public libraries significantly contribute to society through education and literacy by supporting underprivileged students, digital training, women’s empowerment, job skills, leadership programs, health promotion, book donations, and environmental campaigns. The activities performed by public libraries need to be continued as these activities have a positive impact on society. It is recommended that public libraries address their ongoing financial constraints by securing sustainable and permanent sources of funding, as reliance on international development organizations may not provide long-term financial stability. They can raise funds through collaborating with libraries and carrying out income-generating activities.
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Public Libraries as Catalysts for Digital Empowerment: a Case Study of the Gampaha Public Library Computer Center
(University of Peradeniya, 2025-06-26) Kusala Sajeewani, H.W.; Aravindi Gajanayake, H.G.M.
The increasing reliance on digital technologies in all aspects of life has made digital literacy a fundamental skill for personal development and social participation. In this context, public libraries serve as vital institutions for narrowing the digital divide and fostering inclusive access to information and communication technologies. The study sets out to achieve three primary objectives: to identify the digital services provided by the computer section of Gampaha Public Library, to evaluate the impact of these services on enhancing digital literacy among users, and to assess the broader contribution of the library’s digital initiatives toward community-level digital empowerment. A case study method approach was adopted, comprising the analysis of secondary data from the library annual statistics, action plans, and budget reports (2022–2025), along with primary data collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 regular users of the computer section. Findings revealed a consistent increase in user engagement and digital participation by registered users by 3% of the total increment by 2024. The noticeable point was that unregistered users increased considerable amount and numbered 5061 participants were in virtual and physical mode. It was observed that annual action plans, computer literacy training (2022), professional development courses (2023), an educational YouTube channel (2024) were the major projects to increase these unregistered users in the library. According to interviews with the users, 12 participants reported improvements in their academic performance and 8 participants mentioned employment opportunities, while handling digital tasks such as e-banking, online payment, application completion and usage of artificial Intelligence through this unit. The study concludes that targeted investments, staff capacity building, and strategic collaborations with educational institutions are essential for maximizing the impact of library-based digital initiatives. Recommendations include expanding outreach to marginalized groups, upgrading digital infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness about available library services.
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From Collection to Connection: a Comparative Insight from Indian Government Initiatives and UNESCO’s Global Efforts for Transforming Libraries into Socio- cultural Hubs
(University of Peradeniya, 2025-06-26) Shifana, T.; Kohila, G.T.
Translating libraries into socio-cultural hubs is significant globally, as it promotes lifelong learning, digital inclusion, and cultural preservation. In India, initiatives like the National Mission on Libraries (NML) and the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) aim to modernize libraries, while UNESCO's global programs, such as the IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto and the Memory of the World Program, recognize libraries as the key to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study compares these efforts, focusing on their role in education and inclusive societies. The objectives are to study initiatives of India such as the National Mission on Libraries and NDLI, to review UNESCO initiatives such as the IFLA-UNESCO Manifesto, Memory of the World, and UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP) and to compare India and UNESCO approaches in transforming libraries into socio-cultural hubs. The study focuses on initiatives launched post-2014 that address library modernization, digital transformation, and community engagement. It examines India's NML, NDLI, UNESCO IFLA-UNESCO Manifesto, Memory of the World, and IFAP. Documents were selected based on relevance, data availability, and impact. A qualitative research method was used to analyze government policies, official reports, UNESCO publications. The results showed that the Government of India and UNESCO had played key roles in transforming libraries into socio-cultural hubs. India focused on local challenges such as, digital inclusion through NML and NDLI, while UNESCO provided global guidelines for inclusive, community-oriented libraries. Both aimed to enhance libraries' educational and community roles, though challenges including funding and reaching marginalized communities that require a collaborative tech-driven approach. The study concludes that the transformation of libraries into socio-cultural hubs, led by Indian government initiatives and UNESCO, enhances community engagement, education, and cultural preservation. Continued collaboration and innovation is the key to ensuring their success and sustainability globally.