JISC

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Repositories Start Up Project

This project will build a digital repository service of collaborative research events such as seminars, conferences, workshops, and training and teaching events. This repository service will archive such sessions and allow for its content to be searched, browsed through and retrieved via existing and established repository search services. The project will build on the software within the context of CREW, that is capable of recording and annotating Access Grid (AG) events. It will be integrated with Intute to allow for the repository to be searched via the Intute Repository Search Service and to make the contents available to a very wide target audience (i.e. all researchers that make use of the Intute Repository Search Service for retrieval of archived research material).

Aims and objectives 

An Access Grid events repository will improve the value of AG collaborative sessions as these will have the potential to become lasting research materials including valuable metadata information. Students, academics and researchers will benefit from it, as this new rich form of research material will be available to support their activities. The AG community will also grow and advance as a result. Finally, with the funds ceasing for the Arts and Humanities Data Service (AHDS), this new repository service will also aim to fulfil the needs for some of these kinds of data types

Project methodology

The development team will be responsible for setting up the AG Repository service and integrating it with the AG recording software and with the Intute Repository Search Service.

Two pioneer user groups will be engaged throughout the lifetime of the project so that their needs and work practices constitute an important factor in the development plan. To that end, they will play an important role as evaluators and their recommendations will be regularly reviewed by a Steering Committee, headed by the Project Manager and including representatives of the development and the pioneer user groups.

Anticipated outputs and outcomes

• A Digital Repository: The main output of the project will be a digital repository of AG collaborative events
• CREW front-end recommendations: The existing recording software, currently under redevelopment, may need small changes to include an extended metadata element set relevant to AG sessions. These will be passed in the form of recommendations to the CREW development team
• A standalone search-and-browse front-end: The new repository will be included in the Intute Repository Search Service. However, if additional functionality specific to AG events and users is required, a standalone search-and-browse front-end will be developed

Technology / Standards used

• Digital Archival Systems: DSpace, DAITSS, etc.
• Metadata standards: DublinCore, RDF, etc.
• Access Grid and related technologies/standards: CREW, RTP, h.261, etc.
• Intute Repository Search Service