We are excited to announce the forthcoming launch of Open AIR, the new institutional repository that will be replacing NC DOCKS.
This modernized digital archive is designed to collect, preserve, and provide open access to the scholarly and creative output of Appalachian State University, including journal articles, dissertations, theses, datasets and a variety of nontraditional research created by our faculty, staff, and students.
Key Features of Open AIR:
- Wide Range of File Formats: Supports various file types such as PDFs, datasets, images, and multimedia files.
- Persistent Identifiers: Utilizes DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) and ORCIDs (Open Researcher and Contributor IDs) to ensure research outputs are discoverable, citable, and properly attributed.
- User-Friendly Platform: Offers a modern interface with fast load times and engaging visuals, making it easy to navigate and explore a variety of research outputs.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Provides detailed usage data and analytics, allowing researchers to track the reach and influence of their work.
Timeline:
- Legacy Content Migration (NC DOCKS): April - August 2025
- Soft Launch: April 2025, we began to upload of completed thesis and dissertations from the Honors College and Grad School, as well as other content from regular users of NC DOCKS
- Go Live Date: August 15, 2025
Open AIR will serve as a valuable resource for the Appalachian State community, fostering a culture of open scholarship and collaboration. We look forward to seeing the increased visibility, usage, and impact of our collective work.
We are excited for the opportunity to increase our services for our campus, faculty, students and researchers. We will also offer user training opportunities for both platforms in late Summer 2025. If you have questions about the new library systems or the implementation process, please go to our FAQ page or don’t hesitate to contact us under our Library Research drop down tab.