Unit 9: EPrints Continued

I began to build my digital collection in EPrints.  The process of cataloging the records was straightforward.  The ability to import Library of Congress Subject Headings and incorporate uncontrolled vocabulary in EPrints was a plus.  Most of the records I entered consisted of articles and the categories available through EPrints were applicable.  Consistency when cataloging records can be an issue when different catalogers or even different repositories are given this task.  Everyone’s approach to cataloging may differ from others and it may even differ with the same cataloger.  Consistency may be obtained when working with a repository that has categories already listed versus inputting them.  The more I enter information in different repositories or content management systems, the more I realize there is something I should have added to another record.   Perhaps, experience could help with developing a consistent method in cataloging records.

Unit 8: EPrints

The installation and configuration of EPrints was successful.  A new Ubuntu server had to be installed on the virtual machine prior to the EPrints install which proved to be time consuming.  Web directory permissions were not configured during the server install (per directions).  However, when I had attempted to create phpinfo, I was unable to transfer the phpinfo.php document to the /var/www directory of the practice system using WinSCP.  Despite this, I continued with the EPrints installation process which went smoothly.  I stumbled a bit when trying to do the repository branding.  For some reason, I thought I had to edit the index.html but later realized I had to edit the index.xpage by doing the sudo nano command.

Unit 7: Digital Repositories

Workflow steps and more items were added to my collection in DSpace.  The ability to add, edit and approve items under the workflow steps allows for more control of the collection.  I also had the opportunity to experiment with DSpace as we will be moving on to Eprints in the next unit.  We look at digital repositories as a place for long-term preservation; however, Nancy John in her article Digital Repositories: Not Quite at Your Fingertips states “digital repositories will be for near-term access and not long-term survival” as a result of “the problems of permanent storage media and permanently usable file formats in permanently readable storage” (p. 192).  These problems are apparent and it is unclear if long-term preservation will be guaranteed.  Nonetheless, we can still strive for the goal of long-term preservation by improving current solutions (migration, normalization, emulation) and continue searching for more.

Unit 6: Installing DSpace and Adding to Collection

Moving along in class, DSpace 1.7.2 was successfully installed and configured.  In addition, I created a community, collection and added items to my collection in DSpace.  Overall the process went well, although I did have to return to a previous snapshot as one of the components (tomcat6) did not install properly the first time.  Thank goodness for snapshot.  In reviewing the DSpace installation instructions at https://wiki.duraspace.org/display/DSPACE/Installing+DSpace+1.7+on+Ubuntu, I would have to say a lot of the commands look the same as the instructions in the DSpace install provided by Professor Fulton.  Although they assume you already know how to install Ubuntu with no directions or links to directions.  In reviewing another set of instructions, http://wiki.lib.sun.ac.za/index.php/SUNScholar/Dspace, the images of the Ubuntu install are provided which are definitely helpful.  The Ubuntu and DSpace install instructions are thorough and I would be more inclined to perform the install with these instructions, although I may have some questions along the way.