Institutional Repository Workshop - University of Pretoria

Modern computer technology is barely 50 years old, and few of us have seen or used digital objects that are more than 30 years old. Add to this that we can't predict the future of computer technology, it puts us in a very vulnerable position when deciding on which approach to follow when preserving our digital assets (incl. research). More and more African as well as South African institutions/organizations are starting to implement digital preservation strategies and repositories in order to collect, disseminate, manage, preserve, and index their digitally born and non-digitally born assets, following a world-wide paradigm. In addition to preserving intellectual output, an open access digital repository can also help improve the visibility, usage and impact of research conducted at your institution on the world out there.

The aim of this workshop will be to equip colleagues from all sectors with the necessary skills to implement a digital repository - from compiling and implementing an e-strategy, conducting a needs analysis, compiling a business plan, proposal, installing the necessary software (we will be using DSpace open source software), digitization and copyright issues, up to giving exposure to the repository and the role of librarians and faculty.

The workshop will last 3 days, and will be presented by experts from the University of Pretoria. Colleagues from other institutions will also make contributions during this workshop.

Feedback from an IR Workshop presented to the NRF (National Research Foundation) on 17 & 18 June 2008:

"The presenters and support with IT issues were excellent. This workshop/training would be beneficial for every institution in SA that plan to start implementing an institutional repository.”

Afrikaans Version: "Baie dankie vir die uitstekende kursus wat julle spesiaal vir ons aangebied het. Dit gaan ontsettend baie vir ons beteken met die implementering van die ETD pakhuise by 3 instansies. Ek het gister deur die handleiding gewerk en alles was so duidelik en maklik verstaanbaar!!"

English translation: "Thank you very much for an excellent workshop which was specially presented to us. It will be of tremendous help for us during the implementation of ETD repositories at 3 institutions. I have worked through the manual and all is so clear and easily understandable!"

Feedback from an IR Workshop presented to CHELSA members from 28 - 30 July 2008:

"First all of all I would like to thank you very much for the excellent workshop and the hospitality. I would also like to express my appreciation regarding the attendance and outcome of the meeting. I really hope we will be able to cooperate one way or the other in the future." - Aksel Mjeldheim Head of IT-section Chr. Michelsen Institute Bergen Norway

“A very good workshop with a nice balance between the different subjects. Not too technical and not too theoretical. Great toolkit.”

“It appears that a lot of commitment went into the organisation of the workshop. The workshop was excellently planned, hosted and presented. I congratulate the organising team and all resource persons for the job well done. I look forward to future collaboration in our efforts to develop IRs.”

“It was wonderful to have people who are so motivated like you all are. It was a wonderful experience to also interact with people from various organisations moreover, the guys from Africa. Much appreciated.”

“The course was an eye opener for me and I appreciate getting a chance to attend. The presenters knew their areas well and did a wonderful job. I hope to share the presentations with my colleagues and also to spearhead the IR at my university. Well done and thanks." - Agatha (Malawi)

“First, I wish to thank you and the team for a well organized training. You may never know the value of that training to my institution and our library consortium. INASP is ready to fund a workshop so that I can pass on the skills to my colleagues. I have installed DSpace and its working well." - Kondwani Wella, Assistant Librarian, University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing

“A well planned, well presented! Eloquent facilitators. The workshop was a great eye-opener on IR as a whole. It was great having to deal with such a big group and many of us as delegates it was first time experience to be exposed to with DSpace and IR in general. Thank you, you informed and handled us so well!!!"

“Very informative, interesting and learned a tremendous lot! Excellent workshop; more library staff are involved e.g. information librarians & cataloguers, not only for LIS IT staff.”

“Weereens net “Baie dankie” vir ‘n uitstekende werkswinkel. Julle reëlings was fantasties, die lokaal uitstekend, die kos hemels en die aanbiedings puik! Welgedaan!" - Elna Burger (NMMU)

“I would like to thank you for that kind treatment you accorded me. You were very great in the workshop. I admired your patience and kindness. I have already started to draft a plan of improving our young repository based on what I learned in the Workshop. I will be informing of my progress in due course. Hope I get another opportunity to visit that beautiful country again. Regards" - Andrew (University of Uganda

“The course met more than my expectation. I have found the organisation, content and trainers prepared and knowledgeable of their subject matter. I have to compliment Digital Research Repository (UPSpace) with the workshop. The BEST!!!!" - Silistene Venter PricewaterhouseCoopers

"Thank you for the update on the IR workshop. It seems to have been a most interesting and useful seminar, and I'm pleased to hear that the participants were able to install a working instance of DSpace. The seminar content appears to have covered absolutely what was needed -- not just the details of software installation / functionality etc., but also the vital prerequisites such as needs analysis, business planning, policies and procedures. I look forward to receiving the feedback from the participant event forms in due course. Should I need to organise future workshops on DSpace/institutional repositories, I hope you might consider offering your services to INASP. Best wishes" - Peter Burnett (INASP)

"I am writing to thank you for the hard work and effort you made on behalf of INASP. I have received extremely good feedback so far from the INASP-sponsored participants, so I think everything went really well. Very best wishes and thanks again." - Peter Burnett (INASP)

“You have set high standards workshops for librarians. That was commendable especially in this era of digital information.”

“I felt that the IR workshop was well structured and well resourced - the IR toolbox is a very valuable, comprehensive and informative guide. MANY THANKS to the IR Team.”