Collaboration among Units for Advancing Academic Works and Services on the Chiang Mai University Digital Collection (CMUDC)

Abstract

The Integration of collaboration among units to enhance the provision of academic works on the Chiang Mai University Digital Repository aims to develop the digital repository as a central system for storing, linking, and disseminating the university’s digital resources. This is achieved through collaboration with various units and by examining the operational context, challenges, and recommendations via group discussions to improve the accessibility and shared use of digital resources. The implementation plan includes training on the CMUDC system, cataloging procedures, and continuous monitoring through follow-up group discussions to assess operational issues and needs related to managing academic works. The results revealed that the use of the CMUDC system was inconsistent due to cataloging not being a primary responsibility, delayed coordination between units to obtain data, lack of knowledge in cataloging, and staff turnover without proper knowledge transfer. This led to a lower-than-expected volume of digital resources being entered into the system. Additionally, improvements are needed in the system’s display and search functionalities. Findings highlight the necessity of a clear university-wide policy to guide the development of the digital collection in collaboration with all units, especially research-related units that generate large volumes of work but lack efficient dissemination channels. A clear policy, led by senior management, would significantly enhance the collection, access, and dissemination of Chiang Mai University Digital Collection efficiency and effectiveness.