EPrints

Self-Hosted

Open-source institutional repository software for academic and research content

Overview

EPrints is a free, open-source platform for building institutional repositories, digital libraries, or research data archives. It enables organizations to manage, preserve, and disseminate scholarly outputs like papers, datasets, theses, and reports. Key features include customizable metadata schemas, OAI-PMH compliance for cross-repository sharing, full-text indexing, role-based access control for submissions/reviews, and long-term preservation tools. Deployable on Linux servers (Ubuntu/Debian preferred), with community-supported Docker images simplifying setup. Ideal for universities, research institutes, or NGOs needing to showcase and archive their intellectual work.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  eprints:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: eprints
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Customizable metadata schemas for diverse content types
OAI-PMH & CrossRef integration for global visibility
Role-based access control (submission, review, admin)
Full-text search & indexing with advanced filtering
Long-term digital preservation tools

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is EPrints hard to install?

EPrints requires a Linux server (Ubuntu/Debian recommended) and basic sysadmin skills. Detailed installation guides are available, and community-contributed Docker images simplify deployment. Basic setups are manageable with following docs, but advanced customization (like schema changes) needs technical knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to proprietary institutional repository tools?

Yes—EPrints offers core repository features (preservation, dissemination) at no cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious institutions. While it lacks the polished UI or managed services of tools like Elsevier Pure, its open-source nature allows full control over data and workflows.

? Is EPrints completely free?

Yes—EPrints is licensed under the GPL, so it’s free to download, use, modify, and distribute. Self-hosting costs (server hardware, maintenance) apply, but there are no license fees or subscription charges.

Top Alternatives

Elsevier Pure Search Google

Springer Nature Research Data Repository Search Google

Figshare (Institutional Tier) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Document Management - Institutional Repository and Digital Library Software

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ GPL-licensed (free to use, modify, distribute)
⊕ Compliant with academic standards (DOAJ, ORCID)
⊕ Highly flexible for institutional workflow customization
⊕ Active community support and regular updates

Cons

⊖ Requires Linux server expertise for self-hosting
⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced metadata customization
⊖ UI is functional but less modern than commercial alternatives
⊖ Limited managed hosting options (mostly self-serve)