Frequently Asked Questions


What is an institutional repository?

An institutional repository consists of formally organized and managed collections of digital content created by faculty, staff, and students at an institution. The presence of an institutional repository represents a commitment to the stewardship of digital materials of long-term value, including preservation, description, and dissemination.

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What are the benefits of contributing my work to Digital Commons @ Assumption University?

Digital Commons @ Assumption University is designed to work with search engines like Google to increase the discoverability of content. Materials housed in the repository can be viewed by a global audience and are more likely to be read and cited than works located in a subscription journal or database. Additionally, each work in the repository is assigned a unique stable URL, which can be listed on a CV, resume, grant application, or personal website.

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What materials are eligible for inclusion?

Content preserved in Digital Commons @ Assumption University primarily includes copyright-compliant versions of scholarly, creative, or historical works created by the faculty, students, and staff of Assumption University. Current collection priorities are:

  • Voluntarily submitted scholarship produced by faculty and staff, including articles, books and book chapters, papers, and presentations
  • Exemplary student work such as senior theses and capstone projects
  • Documentation from conferences and events hosted for the Assumption University community, including programs, proceedings, and presentations.
  • Publications or documentation produced by Assumption University with long-term value, including yearbooks, commencement programs, magazines, and reports.
  • Digitized historical materials from the Special Collections and Archives of the d'Alzon Library and the French Institute.

Other types of materials will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the staff of the Emmanuel d'Alzon Library, who reserve the right to deny or remove materials that do not fit within the scope of the collections.

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How can I determine if my publisher will allow me to deposit copies of my work?

The best way to determine if a publisher will allow an author to publicly share digital copies of their work is to carefully read any contracts or forms that were signed when the work was accepted for publication. If you cannot find the appropriate paperwork, check the publisher's website. There are also third-party websites that seek to collect these types of publisher policies, such as SHERPA RoMEO. If all else fails, contact the publisher directly for permission.

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I can’t submit the entire copy of my work, but I would still like to list my citation. Is this possible?

At this time, the repository is not accepting citations without a version of the full-text. Please follow the instructions on the Faculty Publications page to report a new publication.

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Who can access the items included in Digital Commons @ Assumption University?

In most cases, the content in Digital Commons @ Assumption University is available to any person with access to the internet. However, when requested by individual authors or required by the publisher, some items may be embargoed (not accessible) for a period of time. In these instances, a citation to the work will remain visible as well as a clearly identified date for the release of the full-text file.

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How do I know how many people have downloaded copies of my works?

The repository automatically sends out monthly download reports to individual authors. The download count will also display on each individual item page.

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How do I cite items I have found here?

A recommended citation will appear on each item page and on the first page of all downloaded PDF files. In general, Digital Commons @ Assumption University may be treated as if it were a library database or a website, in whatever citation style you prefer.

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I have more questions. Who can I contact?

If you have further questions or need help, contact the repository administrator at digitalcommons@assumption.edu

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