InvenioRDM

Self-Hosted

Open-source institutional repository and digital library platform for research data management

Overview

InvenioRDM is a robust open-source platform for building institutional repositories and digital libraries, enabling organizations to manage, preserve, and share research data, publications, and multimedia. It supports metadata standards like DataCite and Dublin Core, ORCID integration, DOI minting, version control, and access control. Deployable via Docker or Kubernetes, it scales for large institutions with modular architecture for customization, ideal for universities and research centers to showcase scholarly output and ensure long-term preservation.

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:
  invenio_rdm:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: invenio-rdm
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Metadata compliance with DataCite, Dublin Core, and other standards
DOI minting and ORCID integration for research attribution
Modular architecture for institutional customization
Long-term preservation and version control
Full-text search and analytics dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is InvenioRDM hard to install?

InvenioRDM offers Docker-based quickstart for testing, but production deployment needs familiarity with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) and system admin skills. Official docs provide guides, but in-house technical teams or external support are recommended for custom institutional setups.

? Is it a good alternative to Elsevier Pure?

Yes, InvenioRDM is a strong open-source alternative to Elsevier Pure. It provides core features like research data management, metadata compliance, and attribution tools without subscription costs, plus modularity to tailor to specific institutional workflows.

? Is it completely free?

Yes, InvenioRDM is 100% free under the MIT License—no licensing fees for use, modification, or distribution. Costs may arise from hosting, maintenance, or hiring experts for deployment/customization if in-house skills are lacking.

Top Alternatives

Elsevier Pure Search Google

Thomson Reuters ScholarOne Repository Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Document Management - Institutional Repository and Digital Library Software

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Open-source with MIT License (free to use/modify)
⊕ Scalable for large institutional datasets
⊕ Supports global research data management standards
⊕ Active community and official documentation

Cons

⊖ Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
⊖ Requires technical expertise (Docker/Kubernetes) for production deployment
⊖ Limited out-of-the-box UI customization without coding