A series of Sc:Ru:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals with various levels of Sc₂O₃(0, 1, 2, and 3 mol%) doping were grown from congruent melts in air by using the Czochralski technique. The defect structures and photorefractive properties of the Sc:Ru:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals were investigated by acquiring infrared spectra of the crystals and performing two-wavelength nonvolatile experiments, respectively. Our results showed the holographic storage properties of Ru:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals to be enhanced by doping them with a high concentration of Sc₂O₃, and indicated Sc:Ru:Fe:LiNbO₃ crystals to constitute a promising medium for holographic storage.