Repository frameworks

Last updated Sept 2006

These pages contain links to frameworks and architectures to support the interaction of repository services and networks of repository services which are capable of incorporating repository services using the standards relevent to CETIS in the metadata and digital repository domain.

Selection criteria:
 * Must be relevant to UK Further and Higher Education
 * Must support repository services using relevant interoperability standards for learning resources, e.g. IEEE LOM, IMS content packages.

Disclaimer

Inclusion on this list does not constitute and endorsement or recommendation; omission from this list should not be taken to imply criticism. Quotes are selected from the relevant websites. All trademarks are acknowledged.

CORDRA
Content Object Repository Discovery and Resolution Architecture - "An open, standards-based model for how to design and implement software systems for the purposes of discovery, sharing and reuse of learning content through the establishment of interoperable federations of learning content repositories.

CORDRA is:
 * A formal model that can be used to design federations of repositories (the CORDRA reference model)
 * A collection of operational systems built from the CORDRA model, including:
 * a prototype implementation of a repository federation, and
 * an operational federation of federations used to combine different CORDRA federations.
 * The activities and projects surrounding the definition of the CORDRA model and creation of the operational systems."

Duration 2004 onwards URL http://cordra.net/

ECL
EduSource Communications Layer - "A language is a human communication protocol, which allows two or more people to understand each other. ECL Protocol is the language for all eduSource Network members connected to a heterogeneous network. It consists of institution repositories, peer-to-peer network, individual small repositories, and application interfaces. The institution repositories such Explora, Aloha, and Careo are stable eduSource members. Typically, the institution repositories have known URL and Web servers running at all times. These repositories already offer their services through their own protocol either via HTTP, XML-RPC requests or other protocols. ECL protocol enables these repositories to communicate with each other and enables other repositories and services to become a part of eduSource network. The protocol is independent from any existing protocols and enables developers to build universal tools and services that will enable their users to connect and use services provided by any repository connected to the eduSource network.

The ECL implements the IMS Digital Repository Interoperability specification. It follows closely IMS DRI and models its messaging protocol according to IMS DRI general messaging model."

Duration 2003 onwards URL http://lore.iat.sfu.ca/ecl/#index.html

e-Framework
"The e-Framework is an initiative by the UK's Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), Australia's Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) and partners to produce an evolving and sustainable, open standards based, service oriented technical framework to support the education and research communities.

The e-Framework supports a service-oriented approach to developing and delivering education, research and management information systems. Such an approach maximises the flexibility and cost effectiveness with which systems can be deployed, both in an institutional context, nationally and internationally. The initiative builds on the e-Learning Framework and the JISC Information Environment as well as other service oriented initiatives in the areas of scholarly information, research support and educational administration."

Duration 2005 onwards URL http://www.e-framework.org/

ELF
"The E-Learning Framework (ELF) is an initiative by the UK's Joint Information Services Committee (JISC) and Australia's Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) to build a common approach to Service Oriented Architectures for e-learning.

The ELF is the result of a shared conviction that exposing networked functions such as user and group data or learning content as simple services rather than as features locked up inside monolithic systems offers institutions more flexibility, more scope for pedagogic innovation and better return on present and future investment.

Discussions are currently underway to create a unified framework encompassing e-learning, research, digital libraries, administration and other activities in the education arena."

Duration 2004 onwards URL http://www.elframework.org/

The Ecology of Repository Services
The Ecology of Repository Services: A Cosmic View is presented as a way to attempt to describe address the problem that the "many different permutations of potential contexts are rarely articulated in a coherent fashion".

Publication 2004 URL http://www.ecdl2004.org/presentations/mclean/

GLOBE
"The Global Learning Objects Brokered Exchange (GLOBE) is an international consortium that strives to make shared online learning resources available to educators and students around the world. The consortium provides a distributed network of learning objects that meet quality standards. GLOBE aims to connect the world and unlock the 'deep web' of quality online educational resources through brokering relationships with content providers."

Duration 2004 onwards URL http://globe.edna.edu.au

OAIS
Open Archival Information System

JISC Information Environment
"Considerable investment at both the institutional and the national levels has been made to provide high-quality digital information resources for further and higher education. But students, lecturers and researchers are nevertheless currently faced with a vast and sometimes bewildering range of potential sources of electronic information. Each source of information has its own name, its own interface, features and search facilities. Little wonder, then, that many users remain unaware of their existence or fail to discover their value for their own learning, teaching or research.

A key challenge is therefore to achieve a managed, coherent and shared information environment that will overcome these obstacles. It is an environment that will need to be compatible with the many developments that are taking place within colleges and universities, such as the growth of institutional Web sites, portals, Intranets and virtual learning environments (VLEs) and managed learning environments (MLEs). Collaboration is crucial to the work and strategy of the JISC and is a central feature of its Information Environment programme."

Duration 2003 onwards URL http://www.jisc.ac.uk/index.cfm?name=ie_home