Building an open access African studies repository using Web 2.0 principles

Abstract

This paper describes the aims and design of an open access African Studies Repository (ASR) (http://www.africanstudiesrepository.org/) that is under development. The ASR is a relational database compatible with the open repository platform DSpace but incorporating the participatory online tools collectively known as ‘Web 2.0’. The aim of the ASR is to create a space where everyone who works on Africa, both inside and outside the continent, can store their work, access useful resources, make contacts, and join discussions.