From open storage to smart storage: enabling EPrints repository preservation

Abstract

EPrints, the first software for building institutional repositories, has recently been focussing on user-centred developments (ref. Carr, PASIG, Paris, 2007), for example, improving metadata quality and enabling easier and faster repository customisation. Future releases will incorporate data-oriented developments. Working with the UK-based Preserv 2 project, the next version will introduce a storage controller that supports a pluggable storage layer for repositories, providing the ability to store objects in different locations based on metadata or type. The storage controller enables direct interaction between the repository software and open storage platforms. Building on this we envisage platforms that not only store digital objects and associated metadata, but also facilitate services to act on these objects for long-term preservation. We refer to this concept as smart storage. This talk will explain how interoperability has been recognised by the Preserv 2 project as a key component of repository software to enable interaction with preservation services. The methods EPrints is employing to support both open storage and smart storage platforms will be outlined, showing how these contribute to long-term digital preservation.

More information

Identifiers

Catalogue record

Export record