Lenus from healing God to health repository

Abstract

Institutional repositories (IRs) represent a new wave of electronic library growth and collection development. At first IRs proved popular in academic institutions but increasingly they are gaining momentum in other types of organisations. This article examines the definition and purpose of IRs and explores their application in the Irish health library sector. Particular focus is given to ‘Lenus’ (named after the Celtic God of Healing) the Irish Health Repository – a national resource developed and managed at the Regional Library & Information Service (RLIS), HSE, Dr. Steevens’ Hospital.