Digital Library Technical Infrastructure Task Force

May 10, 2000

Established by: Vice Chancellor for Information Services and Chair, Digital Library Executive Committee (Marilu Goodyear)

Members:            Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Services and Coordinator of Digital Library (Jerry Niebaum)

Assistant Dean for Information Technology-Libraries (John Miller)

Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Information Services (Beth Warner)

Assistant Special Collections Librarian—Digital Projects (substitute, Rick Clement)

Associate Director, Academic Computing Services (Wes Hubert)

Effective Dates: May 15 – September 1, 2000

Background:

The Digital Library Executive Group is responsible for coordinating the development of the KU Digital Library Program. A major aspect of this development is defining the basic infrastructure, i.e. the architecture, standards, guidelines, services, and staff requirements for the KU Digital Library. In addition, the development of digital collections is dependent upon the availability of appropriate tools that fit within the overall architectural framework and meet the approved standards. Guiding principles are needed for the development of these high quality tools and services. There is also a need to reduce duplication of tool development and leverage existing initiatives.

Charge:

The Digital Library Technical Infrastructure Task Force is charged to develop specific recommendations and plans for the KU Digital Library Technical Infrastructure – the collection of common systems and services that make it possible to store, organize, and access digital materials :

• Develop architectural principles and standards for KU shared digital collections. These should be consistent with relevant industry, Kansas Digital Library, and other University standards, provide a framework that facilitates the creation of integrated systems, and provide the flexibility to foster innovations in scholarly communication. After DLEG approval, submit to the State Architecture process for consideration.
• Identify appropriate elements for the development of an integrated digital library system which accommodates all formats - metadata, full-text, images, numeric data, geospatial data, etc.
• Develop principles and specifications for the identification, evaluation, selection, and implementation of online tools and services for sharing, accessing, manipulating, integrating, and archiving electronic scholarly content in all forms.
• Recommend an appropriate strategy for moving campus-developed tools to the KU Digital Library.
• Recommend a process for prioritizing services to be implemented.
• Develop principles and guidelines for the type and frequency of evaluation of tools and services, both before and after they are implemented.

The Task Force will present their report and work plan to the DLEG by September 1, 2000. The plan should present specific recommendations, task plans, and timelines for accomplishment.