The proposed architecture uses the “data plus services” model that repositories commonly use internationally. This architecture has two key characteristics: unbundling and interoperability. It consists of:
- a basic institutional facility — the data acquisition and retention level
- added value capabilities for specific groups of users — the services level
Data-Service model for Institutional Repositories
The services shown are intended as examples of the possibilities that may be offered. The following edited extract from the DARE Data and Services Model description summarises the rationale for this widely-used approach.
- Data Level
- The data level is where the infrastructure is set up and maintained. Every … institution establishes a repository that stores research information from that institution and keeps it available for use (or reuse) according to uniform international standards: working papers [and] preprints, dissertations, research reports, datasets, conference reports, multimedia material etc., including the corresponding metadata.
- Services Level
- Basic material from the data level can be used to develop services providing added value for [researchers], students, universities, [funders] and other interested parties. The possibilities are numerous, including current or new services (management information or updating of résumés respectively); services the institutions themselves wish to offer, either singly or in association with others (subject portals); or services provided by third parties such as publishers (e-journals). Supply and development can take place at the local level (digital display) as well as at national level (national research information service) or even internationally (virtual communities). The most appropriate level of co-operation can be decided upon depending on the situation in question: most important is that institutions retain control of their own information.
Source: http://www.surf.nl/en/download/DARE_data_services_model.pdf (2 pages, 181 kb)
This model also allows the repositories network to take advantage of services offered by other standards-based service architectures, such as an authentication and authorisation service, eLearning frameworks, or research management and reporting systems.
