Samvera Hyrax

Self-Hosted

Open-source institutional repository and digital library platform for scholarly content management

Overview

Samvera Hyrax is an open-source institutional repository and digital library platform designed for universities, libraries, and research institutions to manage, preserve, and disseminate digital assets like research papers, datasets, images, and audio. Built on Ruby on Rails, it integrates Fedora Commons (persistent storage) and Solr (search). Key features include customizable metadata schemas (Dublin Core, MODS), granular access controls, workflow automation, and open standards support. Deployable via Docker, Kubernetes, or traditional Rails setups, it empowers institutions to control their assets with community-driven development backing.

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:
  samvera_hyrax:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: samvera-hyrax
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Customizable metadata schemas (supports Dublin Core, MODS, and local standards)
Granular access controls and workflow automation for content curation
Persistent storage (Fedora Commons) and robust search (Solr) for digital assets

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Samvera Hyrax hard to install?

Installation complexity varies: Docker Compose setups simplify initial deployment, but custom configurations (like integrating with institutional systems or tuning metadata) require expertise in Ruby on Rails, Fedora Commons, and Solr.

? Is it a good alternative to BePress Digital Commons?

Yes—Hyrax offers open-source flexibility and full data ownership, unlike BePress's proprietary model. It supports core features like metadata management and access controls while allowing deeper customization to align with institutional workflows.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Samvera Hyrax is licensed under Apache 2.0, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. However, institutions may incur costs for hosting infrastructure, maintenance, and technical staff to manage the platform.

Top Alternatives

BePress Digital Commons Search Google

ProQuest Institutional Repository Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Document Management - Institutional Repository and Digital Library Software

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full institutional control over digital assets and data
⊕ No subscription fees (open-source Apache 2.0 license)
⊕ Flexible deployment options (Docker, Kubernetes, traditional Rails)
⊕ Community-driven development with ongoing support from Samvera consortium

Cons

⊖ Requires technical expertise in Ruby on Rails, Fedora Commons, and Solr
⊖ Steep learning curve for advanced customization (metadata, workflows)
⊖ Ongoing maintenance of dependencies (Rails, Fedora, Solr updates)