Evaluating the role of metadata standards in enhancing data discoverability and interoperability in academic digital repositories

Purpose This study aims to investigate how metadata standards enhance data discoverability and interoperability in academic digital repositories, focusing on three leading Indian institutions: the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative evaluation of repository architecture and metadata practices with a quantitative user survey of 83 participants (faculty and research scholars). The study examines the implementation of Qualified Dublin Core (QDC) within the DSpace platform and evaluates how metadata design, enrichment and usability affect repository performance, discoverability and user satisfaction. Findings All repositories adopt QDC but differ significantly in metadata richness, content diversity and access policies. IISc Bangalore demonstrates the highest metadata quality and full open access, IIT Delhi balances technical sophistication and content diversity through Apache Solr and Online Public Access Catalogue integration, while IIT Bombay, despite having the largest collection, shows weaker metadata consistency. Statistical analysis reveals a positive relationship between metadata literacy and user satisfaction, highlighting the importance of institutional investment in metadata training and interface improvement. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on three premier institutions, which may limit generalisability. However, its insights are transferable to other repositories in similar academic contexts. Future studies could include a broader range of institutions and examine longitudinal impacts of metadata policy reforms and interoperability frameworks. Practical implications The findings emphasise the need for robust metadata governance, librarian training and adoption of emerging standards such as linked data and resource description and access. Regular metadata audits, enriched fields and adherence to findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable principles can enhance repository sustainability and support national-level open science initiatives. Originality/value This study provides one of the first comparative analyses of leading Indian institutional repositories using both technical and user-centred perspectives. It contributes to scholarly and practical understanding by linking metadata theory with repository management, offering actionable strategies to strengthen discoverability, interoperability and academic visibility.