Improving our repository infrastructure
At present, the UBL uses several systems for the management and presentation of digital collections. Digitized items from our special collections are managed using Digitool, scientific publications are managed by DSpace. Both systems are not sustainable for the future, whilst not being adapted to cope with the expected growth of digital data. Digitool and Dspace are also not suitable for the recording and presentation of data sets and data formats such as AV and GIS. The need for a future proof repository was increased with the acquisition of the KIT- and KITLV-libraries, giving the UBL the responsibility for managing and preserving the digital collections of both institutions, consisting of almost 3 million items such as photos, paintings, newspapers and maps, and the systems in which they are listed.
The current fragmented infrastructure is not only inefficient for the UBL, but also does not meet the needs of our current and future users. Initially a new infrastructure will be implemented for the digitized special collections, making it possible for collections currently recorded in a variety of systems to be managed, stored and presented in one place. A follow-up project will focus on scientific publications.
Renewing the repository infrastructure has several objectives:
- improving access to the digital special collections for both man and machine;
- phasing out redundant and overlapping systems;
- develop efficient tools for intake, storage and management of digital objects;
- realizing an attractive presentation layer for digital heritage, including opportunities for creating web exhibitions;
- better opportunities to join national and international infrastructures;
- promoting collaboration with external partners.
Duration: 2015-2017