Objectives of the OARiNZ Project

Objective 1: Design the Infrastructure Blueprint

A cross-functional, cross-institutional (including the National Library) team will design the actual blueprint that will be followed in order to establish the framework needed to develop and connect shareable digital repositories in New Zealand .

Objective 2: Conduct a Technical Evaluation of Open Source Repository Solutions

In early 2004, at the outset of eCDF, the selection of the best option for an open source LMS included an in-depth technical evaluation. The commissioned report, Technical Evaluation of selected Learning Management Systems (PDF: 190Kb), provided a robust basis for the selection of Moodle which has been borne out by that application's subsequent success both within NZ and internationally. This proposal suggests a similarly robust approach to the selection of an appropriate open source repository system (with the list of contenders likely to include ePrints, DSpace, and Fedora/Fez).

Objective 3: Build the Framework

Once the blueprint has been finalised the programming specialists associated with the project will build the 'description, discovery and integration' hub (which might also be thought of as a 'metadata brokering service'). This hub will perform a protocol translation role, as well as allow for other value-added services such as statistical analyses of traffic to inform the national grid. This objective will require the installation of a test environment (with a range of repository solutions, both proprietary and open source represented), subsequent usability testing, reworking, migration to production environment etc.

Objective 4: Develop Reference Models

A number of institutions will receive a funding contribution to each implement a demonstrator repository. These will be used as 'proof of concept' reference models, and participating institutions will be required to record their experiences using a supplied template. The resulting documents will then be published on the final project web site.

Further institutions with existing repositories will be invited to 'hook up' to the test environment. They will receive a small funding contribution in return for recording their experiences using a supplied template. The resulting documents will also be published on the final project website.

Objective 5: Build a New Zealand Research Repository managed service

A low cost bureau/hosting service using open source technology will be provided. Phase 1 has been sized to provide up to 25 TEOs with a hosted repository, each with 4GB of space for "published" content, and 60GB (upgradeable to 120GB) for "historical" versions of the content. These specifications are best estimates at this stage and will be more accurately determined after a pilot. The hardware set-up will be designed for scalable storage at the TB level, along with full disaster recovery systems and 24*7 monitoring and technical support. A Maori translation for all help files will be provided.

Objective 6: Enhance the Research Repository managed service

Through the experience gained in repository systems from participation in the OSLOR, the OSVLE team reports it has identified a number of system enhancements which would enable open source options to meet and exceed proprietary alternatives at a lower cost model for all. Enhancements include easier deployment and customisation, scalability improvements, improved versioning, improved metadata schema editing facility, enhanced LMS integration layer, improved search functionality, custom user interface, improved workflow facility including scheduled revision prompt emails, embargoed publishing and virus scanning.

We would look to implement similar enhancements on the open source repository system selected for use in the independently-hosted repository 'farm'.

Objective 7: Produce a 'DIY' Solution

We will produce a freely distributable, easy to install CD-ROM containing pre-configured (or self-configuring) open source software for use by institutions looking for entry-level assistance with developing their own shareable digital repository. A likely software candidate for this option will be ePrints; one of the most widely used repository solutions globally with a large and active community of users and developers.

The University of Otago will lead this aspect of the project. They will also incorporate the undertaking of a programme of research that will include international collaboration with the international ePrints community, and in particular investigate the impact of digital repositories on performance based research funding in New Zealand , Australia and the United Kingdom . The outputs from this work will contribute to Objective 8: Build the knowledge base.

Objective 8: Build the Knowledge Base

We will create an online clearinghouse of New Zealand-specific repository information. This information will include resources created within the OARiNZ project - such as technical evaluations, repository implementation and operations guides, and reports documenting stakeholder experiences. The website will provide an environment for stakeholders to communicate and share existing knowledge.

Objective 9: Engage the Stakeholders

In order to encourage 'uptake' and assist with decision-making at the institutional level, a series of regional seminars and visits will be undertaken.

Objective 10: Plan for the Future

The OARiNZ project team will prompt and/or provide input into discussions around the development of a national strategy for ongoing management and maintenance of the repository infrastructure.