Agenda

• Developing an application profile for the VU e-Archive
• Workflows C Client/Java Client Update

Application Profile for the VU e-Archive

The group discussed application profiling within the framework of the VU e-archive, deciding that it involved largely philosophical issues and did not include actual programming. The current approach to the e-Archive is that faculty and students complete metadata fields themselves when they add a record ro the database. But since many are not completing the metadata record page, library staff often complete the record instead.

All communities within the e-Archive are unique but need consistency. Currently, the archive is using Dublin Core metadata fields. LCSH is being used for subject headings while keywords are used for subjects not covered by LCSH.

VU e-Archive Demo:

Roberta demonstrated a search in the VU e-Archive using podcasts as our sample. Recent changes to the database have resulted in unexpected display issues. A lot of previously displayed information is currently missing from the display screen, although the information is still available by viewing the item record. The Metadata Committee can decide what fields will display on screen but needs to chronicle decisions so they can be back-tracked if necessary. Current podcasts issue provides justification for the need for application profiling, in which decisions made about the use and display of data is recorded for posterity.

Some changes discussed for the e-Archive: current records need to be reformatted; the submission form needs to be reformatted in such a way that users enter data in the proper format. Issues with using LCSH included LCSH subject headings can be complicated to construct; they may be too broad for some subjects; the use of keywords only may be too limited for retrieval by some systems. Many decisions about the e-Archive have already been made. We now need to strive for consistency.

A proposal was made to form a project team to to examine these isses. Proposed members of the team included Pete Wilson, Don Jones, Mary Charles Lasater, and Roberta Winjum. Eileen proposed bringing in one outside person to serve on the committee. Chris Benda was suggested as a possible member for the team. Among the issues to be examined by the team are database structure, interoperability of the data and database, how much time does staff have to devote to such projects, and what is the library's limit of participation. Roberta will draft a charge for the project team and send it out.

Workflows C Client

The deadline for support of the C client has been extended due to problems with the new java-based client. Issues reported include Smart Port, Connexion, Circulation, and Shelf Listing. LITS is still working on resolving these problems.

Improved Communication Between LITS and Library

An issue was raised about the need for improved communication between LITS and the libraries when new enhancements are made to Acorn and other systems. Libraries should be able to "opt out" of upgrades if these upgrades will cause issues with current functionality.

Announcements

Mary Charles announced that testing is ready to begin on sample records for Primo. The Law Library and Special Collections should let her know if they want specific records or types of material included in the test batch.