Eprints Software International Roundtable

1. Eprints Software International Roundtable SOAS, 23rd June 2004

2. Eprints Background • Origins in JISC-funded CogPrints project within eLib Programme • Expanded use since then, both nationally and internationally • Big influence on open access movement • Inspiration for similar systems

3. The FAIR Programme • Focus on Access to Institutional Resources • Investigating the deposit and disclosure of institutional resources • includes research outputs • e-prints and e-theses • Additional funding for Eprints provided at start of FAIR Programme • Five projects using Eprints software at over 20 institutions • Funding expires September 2004

4. Software Developments within JISC • Many projects produce software • JISC is not a software house • Funds what is required to serve JISC’s needs, i.e., nationally-focused • Limited resources for long-term support • Concentrates on seed-funding • Variety of routes used by projects • OSS • Commercial • Partnership • Project-funding

5. Requirements for Eprints • Underlying points to address to inform future development • What is Eprints? • Who are its stakeholders? • What is it used for? • What is its competition?

6. Issues • Technical development path • Is current architecture/platform the most appropriate? • Skills sets required • How to facilitate institutional/organisational take-up • Eprints in the context of the wider role of repositories

7. Roundtable and the Future • Today is an opportunity to feed in ideas • Responsibility and ownership • Thank you for coming!

8. Thank you Chris Awre JISC Programme Manager c.awre@jisc.ac.uk http://www.jisc.ac.uk/people_awre_c.html