Hi Mariano, > I'm evaluating DSpace as a possible software solution for implementing an > institutional repository for the institution I'm currently working for ( > Instituto Balseiro - Bariloche, Argentina - www.ib.edu.ar/ > <http://www.ib.edu.ar/> ). > > I would appreciate anyone out there to let me know how is your experience with > the software so far, what do you think are the pros and cons of this solution > compare with others, what are its strengths and weaknesses, or whatever other > information you think might help me deciding in favor of or against this > solution.
Without knowing what your requirements are, it is hard for us to say if DSpace will fit your needs or not. But here are some points about DSpace that you may wish to consider: - DSpace is used by hundreds of universities as an institutional repository. You can see a list of them[1], or see them plotted on a map[2]. There are more users of DSpace than any other open source repository platform. There are at least two other DSpace users within Argentina: Archivos de Neurología and Universidad Nacional de Rosario. - DSpace is supported by the DSpace Foundation[3] (now Duraspace[4]) which provides leadership and support for the community. - DSpace development is overseen by a group of 'committers' from different institutions[5] to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of many organisations. There is a complimentary group known as the Global Outreach Committee[6] that address the aspects of growing and supporting the community. - DSpace is a constantly evolving platform. The current version is 1.5.2, and we are due to release 1.6.0 in late autumn 2009. This will include powerful new features such as an embargo facility, better statistics, devolved community administration, and batch metadata editing. - Being a community driven effort, DSpace is always looking for new contributors. If you want to become more involved in the community, then you would be more than welcome. These are a few of things that come to my mind. No doubt other people will have their own reasons why they use DSpace, and it will be good to hear those. [1] http://www.dspace.org/index.php/DSpace-Instances/Repository-List.html [2] http://maps.repository66.org/ [3] http://dspace.org/ [4] http://durspace.org/ [5] http://wiki.dspace.org/index.php/DSpaceContributors [6] http://wiki.dspace.org/index.php/DSpace_Global_Outreach_Cmte If we can be of any more assistance, please feel free to ask more questions! Thanks, Stuart Lewis IT Innovations Analyst and Developer Te Tumu Herenga The University of Auckland Library Auckland Mail Centre, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand Ph: 64 9 373-7599 x81928 http://www.library.auckland.ac.nz/ _______________________________________________ Dspace-general mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/dspace-general
