Here's another spin on this topic. First off, I'd like to thank Bram for doing this analysis. I think it's extremely beneficial for us all to take a step back every now and then, look at the broader picture, and especially take a close look at similar systems to see what we can learn from them.
Something that is also worth noting is that the folks who made IR+ used to use DSpace. I think it's important to reflect on why they chose to build a different system, and what features they specifically added that either (a) were/are not available out-of-the-box in DSpace or (b) DSpace couldn't provide via integrations with complimentary systems/services. I think in this discussion, Mark Wood and Graham Triggs bring up some valid implementation questions. It's good to question whether DSpace should try and build in some of these feature, or alternatively integrate with other external systems/software which may better provide these features. I feel it all comes back to whether we all feel DSpace should be the "one IR to rule them all", or whether it should better "plug into" a set of complimentary services at your institution or library. I'll admit, the IR as just a piece in a "set of scholarly services" is something that has stuck with me from having worked alongside Sarah Shreeves at U of Illinois (she has been talking about and developing this idea for several years now). So, I don't necessarily feel that DSpace should strive to be more like IR+ (or any other system for that matter). But I do feel we can learn from the great new features they've implemented (kudos to them!). It's as good a point as any to step back and analyze where DSpace sits in the "IR space". Perhaps even analyze whether there are core features DSpace is still missing, or whether more "hooks" into external systems could help DSpace become an integral piece in a set of scholarly services at your institution. I don't have any answers here. :) But, I'd love to hear others thoughts/ideas in this discussion. In my mind, DSpace is really Community Software, so ideas/thoughts/brainstorms/visions from those in the community (i.e. you) help shape our future direction. As we all know, DSpace 1.6 is just around the corner (still on track for a mid-Feb release). But, that doesn't mean we cannot already start brainstorming for 1.7 (and beyond). - Tim ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Planet: dedicated and managed hosting, cloud storage, colocation Stay online with enterprise data centers and the best network in the business Choose flexible plans and management services without long-term contracts Personal 24x7 support from experience hosting pros just a phone call away. http://p.sf.net/sfu/theplanet-com _______________________________________________ Dspace-general mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/dspace-general
