JISC

The Archaeology Data Service (ADS) is the mandated repository for archaeological digital research data funded by the AHRC, NERC and other non-HE bodies. In SWORD-ARM we will work with a number of HE institutions to refine and enhance ADS’s ingest and charging process by creating a SWORD client to streamline and automate deposit. This will strengthen the ADS data management systems and business infrastructure, and deliver real benefits to depositors in terms of their ability to deposit data, create and validate metadata, engage in selection and retention, manage multiple deposits and, crucially, to manage cost estimate and charging processes. SWORD-ARM therefore represents an enhancement to ADS’s role as a discipline-based repository, and an embedding of our role in a number of HE institutions. SWORD-ARM will significantly improve the ability of ADS to handle increasing volumes of data and to charge directly for deposit. It will improve the service offered to our depositors in terms of cost transparency, ease of use and speed of deposit.

Objectives

The project will build upon the SWORD protocol to provide a set of modules which will:

• Allow users to upload files to the ADS repository;
• Link files to associated metadata from the OASIS online recording form for fieldwork projects;
• Allow users to add additional metadata for non-fieldwork projects;
• Semi-automate the accessioning of files and associated metadata within the ADS Collections Management System, streamlining the OAIS process;
• Allow users to set up and manage ‘accounts’, create sample costings to inform selection and retention strategies, and provide for the semi-automated billing of deposit charges.

Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes

• Extend the use of the SWORD protocol;
• Allow the ADS to enhance its data management structures, semi-automating metadata capture, file upload, and account management;
• Provide an exemplar of the integration of a charging module within data management infrastructures;
• Help researchers to deposit their research data;
• Provide case studies from four UK HE institutions for deposit in a repository using the SWORD client, and a report on the partner institution’s policy for data deposit;
• Embed the outputs within a preservation infrastructure and facilitate the policy objectives of research councils and non HE public bodies to enable project-based charging and deposit.