[OAI-general] Institution-based archive examples

[Michael L. Nelson]

On Mon, 2 Apr 2001, Bob Kemp wrote:

> This is a spin-off from the recent debate over discipline-based versus 
> institution based archives, where Stevan Harnad mentioned that over 100 
> sites are trying out the eprints software. I wondered how they are doing?

as per Stuart's previous comments, downloads don't equal full up
usage.  I've d/l'd a copy of eprints, and I have good intentions of
investigating it, but...

my question to you: if you certain groups already have functioning
archives, consider writing an OAI layer around their existing archive /
process.  IMO, the real beauty of OAI is that you don't have to rip out an
existing software package (and one that users are probably already
comfortable with) and replace it with the latest, greatest software du
jour.  Users usually don't have that level of enthusiasm for shifting
infrastructure.  And its generally not tough to scrape enough metadata to
populate some of the more interesting DC fields.

On the other hand, if you're establishing an archive where there was none
(or the people are clamoring for improvements), something like eprints is
the obvious choice.  

bottom line:  have you considered wrapping your existing archive?

regards,

Michael

> 
> We haven't got very far at Strathclyde - just read some of the papers, 
> downloaded the documentation and looked at the discipline-based archives. 
> We hope to start a small trial over the next few weeks. It's a little 
> premature, but we already see a number of issues, for instance, how best to 
> classify the archive, what metadata to use, how to persuade people to 
> participate, especially our staff in disciplines where there is already a 
> functioning archive.
> 
> I'd consequently be very interested in a) looking at examples if anyone's 
> got anything up and running, and b) discussing experiences and approaches. 
> (The latter should probably be restricted to the non-technical as we have 
> the eprints-tech list for that sort of thing.)
> 
> Has anyone any examples and experiences to discuss?
> 
> Bob Kemp
> 
> 
> Dr Bob Kemp
> Information Officer, Digital Information Office
> Centre for Digital Library Research
> University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NS
> 
> Phone: +44 (0)141 548 2379              FAX: +44 (0)141 548 2102
> 
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---
Michael L. Nelson			
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