Why Tilburg University moved beyond Pure
Since 2013, Tilburg University has been using the Elsevier application Pure as both a Current Research Information System (CRIS) and an Institutional Repository (IR). Over time, however, it became clear that Pure was not suited as a long-term repository platform. Pure lacks crucial functionality, such as:
- Delete recovery
- Versioning
- Tombstone functionality
Without these, Pure does not comply with Plan S requirements. So, because Pure lacked key features needed for compliance, Tilburg University decided in 2022 to add a dedicated open-source repository alongside it. Pure remains the entry point for publications, while full texts are now passed on to DSpace via the built-in connector. Following market research and a tender in 2024, Tilburg chose DSpace with Atmire as a partner for hosting and implementation. The setup follows a common model of combining a CRIS with a repository, but Tilburg’s approach stands out for its focus on Plan S requirements and the advanced DSpace 7–Pure integration.
From Pure to a sustainable back-end
While Pure will remain the front-end system for now, DSpace now functions as a “dark archive”, ensuring long-term preservation of scholarly works. By storing all full-text files (bitstreams) in DSpace, Tilburg University benefits from:
- Permanent identifiers for stable references
- Delete recovery functionality
- Robust open-source infrastructure maintained by a global community
These elements address the compliance and preservation gaps that Pure could not fill. It was the key theme of Tilburg University’s presentation at Open Repositories 2025 in Chicago: Towards a Plan S-compliant repository: Building a safe and sustainable haven for scholarly content.
A breakthrough in traffic management between Pure and DSpace
During the project, an important technical discovery was made. Pure was proxying external requests to the repository, which meant original IP addresses and user agents were masked. This made it harder to distinguish human visitors from bots.
Through a close collaboration between Tilburg University, Pure, and Atmire, this has now been resolved:
- Pure no longer proxies repository traffic
- DSpace now records the true IP addresses and user agents
- Institutions can more effectively manage and block bots
This improvement not only benefits Tilburg University but all institutions worldwide that use Pure in combination with DSpace. It’s a shared achievement that strengthens repository sustainability across the community.
"With Atmire as our partner, we have been able to set up a successful connection between our CRIS system (Pure) and the Open Repository (DSpace 7) as a solution to sustainably archive Tilburg University's research output. Despite the integration being more complex and challenging than anticipated, Atmire’s technical expertise and solution-oriented approach allowed us to overcome obstacles and complete the project successfully in a relatively short time!”
Frank Diepmaat en Maarten Leenders, Functional administrators DSpace, Tilburg University
Statistics powered by Usage Analysis
Included in the project was the implementation of comprehensive statistical reporting for both end-users and the library team.
Another step towards open science that reduces its dependence on commercial parties
By adopting DSpace, Tilburg University takes another important step toward open science, reducing its reliance on commercial systems and providers. The university gains stronger version control and long-term archiving, features that align with its values of transparency and sustainability. Still, complete independence from commercial platforms isn't here yet. But this is seen as a first step for a further shift away from proprietary systems (Scientific publications now stored in DSpace repository).
Discover the repository here: Tilburg University Institutional Repository
“From the first RFP interactions through delivery, the Tilburg University team demonstrated exemplary diligence, clarity of purpose, and technical rigor. It is encouraging to partner with a university that treats Plan S and OpenAIRE compliance as a core requirement rather than an aspiration. By establishing DSpace as a secure, sustainable back end, Tilburg is safeguarding its full-text record while ensuring that it remains openly accessible to scholars and the public. I am proud that Atmire could contribute to this outcome and to the university’s broader commitment to open science.”
Bram Luyten, Acting Project Manager and Founder, Atmire
Is your institution ready for change?
If your institution is also exploring a Plan S-compliant repository or looking to move away from proprietary systems, we would be happy to share our expertise.
About Tilburg University 🇳🇱
Tilburg University is a research university in the south of the Netherlands, best known for its expertise in the social sciences, economics, business, law, and the humanities. With a student population of around 20,000, the university combines a strong international outlook with a clear focus on understanding and improving society. A mission that is also reflected in its motto, “Weaving Minds & Characters.”