FSC: A repository project for an international non-profit

June 10, 2025
Case Study
fsc-a-repository-project-for-an-international-non-profit
Industry: 
Open RepositoryDSpace ExpressCustom DSpace
The Forest Stewardship Council GmbH (FSC) is an international non-profit organization established in 1993 that promotes responsible management of the world's forests via timber certification. FSC’s repository is called Open Knowledge and it’s the basis for collecting and distributing institutional information and data to benefit all stakeholders. The FSC Open Knowledge aims to provide the simplest and most powerful open tools to disseminate FSC information resources and to increase the accessibility to knowledge about FSC. This repository is set up and maintained by Atmire as a Custom DSpace project.

Multifunctional use (open-access and internal)

The repository serves a multifunctional purpose, going beyond simply providing open-access to items. It also addresses the needs of the internal team by integrating seamlessly with their internal system through the REST API. The DSpace repository is customized to accommodate the requirements of multiple stakeholders.

Automated synchronization of podcasts to Spotify and Google Podcasts from the DSpace repository

In the Podcasts community, all submitted content is seamlessly and automatically uploaded to both Spotify and Google Podcasts. This integration ensures that any updates or changes made to the content are instantly reflected on these platforms as well. Whether it's a new episode or a modification to an existing one, the updates are automatically synchronized, providing a smooth and efficient way to maintain consistency across multiple podcast platforms without requiring manual intervention.

Customizations in this DSpace repository

Customized item overview component

In this DSpace, the item overviews have been customized with various components to enhance clarity and help users quickly grasp the content of each item. Key elements such as sustainability dimensions, topics, subtopics, and subject keywords are highlighted to guide users toward relevant information more efficiently. The example below illustrates how these features are applied to streamline the search experience.

Customized item page view

The customizations applied to the item overviews are also reflected in the item page views. These page views have been tailored to improve clarity and enhance the overall user experience.

Elaborate search filters (and help text)

The search page’s sidebar facets were enhanced with a custom feature that adds an information icon next to each facet title. When users hover over these icons, a small tooltip appears, providing helpful details about the corresponding facet.

FAQ section

A 'Frequently Asked Questions' (FAQ) button has been added to the Research Portal’s community page. By clicking this button, users can access a list of FAQs that provide guidance on searching for documents, filtering results, and understanding the different metadata fields.

Improved search 

The repository project incorporates a feature that enhances the search experience by suggesting content based on metadata. As users type a search query, the platform offers word suggestions that start with the input, along with relevant items and collections. This functionality aids users in locating their desired content more efficiently and swiftly.

We have multiple examples that have this: see this case study: The University of Galway migrates from an in-house DSpace to Open Repository

Discover the FSC® Open Knowledge repository: https://open.fsc.org

Collaborating with FSC on the Open Knowledge repository has been an exciting and rewarding experience. The project showcases how a well-structured DSpace repository can serve both open-access and internal needs, integrating seamlessly with FSC’s systems to enhance accessibility and efficiency. The FSC team’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable in shaping the repository’s features, ensuring a user-friendly and impactful solution for stakeholders worldwide.
Nick Mariev (Project Manager Atmire)

DSpace repository for a non-profit

Atmire provides repository solutions tailored to non-profits of all sizes, from local organizations to international charities. Check out our client list to see examples of our work.

Interested in learning how we can support your non-profit? Contact us today! 

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