JISC

See the final report

Repositories Start-up project

This project is intended to initialise repository services at University College Falmouth by looking at four different areas where a specific repository need has been identified. In importance, the requirements are a repository for:

• All digital media content created at the College. Initially we have a collection of images of student work from degree shows dating back several years. This will be a showcase for the creative output of the College
• Digitized texts linked to reading lists in our Virtual Learning Environment VLE
• Institutional documents that considers version control and preservation issues
• Digital versions of student undergraduate dissertations currently stored in the Library in print format

During the course of the project, it is expected that University College Falmouth will merge with Dartington College of Arts. The project will explore the different digital repository requirements resulting from the merger.

Aims and Objectives

In attempting to create a repository for the four needs identified above, we will have to address a number of particular issues:

• Implement authentication and single sign systems to integrate access control to the repository within the institutional systems so that users can link seamlessly to repository content
• Choice of appropriate metadata schemas
• Integrating the repository into the institutions enterprise level IT technology infrastructure so as to minimize proliferation of platforms and enable continuity of support
• To enable the easy creation of links between the VLE and repository
• Automated reporting on usage of repository content for CLA returns

Project Methodology

Initially we will complete a requirements analysis for each aspect of the repository mentioned above to establish criteria for the choice of software. In the light of this, the capabilities of various repository software packages will be investigated by members of the project team. Areas needing developing will be identified at this stage. These investigations will lead to the implementation phase.

In addition, we intend implementing a single sign on system incorporating Shibboleth and membership of the UK Access Federation. This will compliment the approach we take to access control to repository data.

Finally, we will decide on mechanisms, policies and a framework for:

• Populating the repository
• Access control and IPR issues
• Metadata creation
• Long term sustainability
• Dissemination and rolling out of services

The project will be steered by the project team which will meet at regular fortnightly intervals.

Anticipated Outputs and Outcomes

By the end of this project ( March 2009 ) we anticipate the following outcomes:

1. The infrastructure will be in place to meet the repository requirements outlined above
2. The repository will be populated with data and objects currently awaiting this infrastructure
3. A report will outline our methodology and any technological approaches used
4. Any custom software developed will be shared with the wider community

Technology / Standards used

Some of the standards that we will be investigating and using, at least, include:

• Qualified Dublin Core
• SWAP VRA Core
• UK LOM Core
• SAML / Shibboleth
• HTML
• XML
• Possible JISC Images and Digital Media Application Profiles as they are developed