2nd October 2009, 11:50 AM
Many thanks for so many bodies coming together to ask these questions.
I should be clear about three separate issues
1) This is not a British Archaeological Jobs Resource initiative.
2) There is comment about the "approach adopted in the 'Open
Archive' raising concerns" - let us be clear that data standards are
crucial, and to this end, the current structure (as remember this is a work
in progress, requiring seious input) is based exactly on the DES structure.
(if it is good enough for DES, it must be good) - More crucially, there
seems to be a misunderstanding concerning the direction. It does NOT and
HAS NOT made any claims to replacing or duplicating OASIS - that is a mainly
commercial archaeological system. This is dealing with a different
audience the local group - and is proactively engaging them.
3) The second issue is about 'archive' - We are aware of the long-term
sustainability issue and we are addressing this as we continue to develop.
To be specific, we do not view Scribd as the final solution; we are busy
designing and developing our own internal systems. In terms of
interoperability, we would welcome the adoption of web services and APIs
written to defined standards.
I sincerely hope that you see the benefit of a system that enhances, expands
and increases knowledge, and as you rightly say, "Archaeological archiving
works best when it is based on cooperation and collaboration, and the groups
and mechanisms to facilitate this are broadly in place." Our request is
that you (as a group) allow us to do just that, we are more than willing
(indeed it was our hope) that we can cooperate and collaborate with you. On
looking at another thread by Mike Heyworth we found the following lines
useful and quote them below:
At Digital Past, we want to enhance our record of the UK's Past, not overlap
or duplicate, but bring new opportunities to the 21st century and the
concept of sharing data in a way that suits people.
This discussion is best continued on a more formal manner - and we look
forward to hearing from the interested groups to discuss how best we can
move forward. Our contact details are below - so look forward to hearing
from you collectively or individually - we are more than happy to talk, to
meet and to assure. This is about access to material not previously
accessible as a central resource, it is about embracing new technologies and
it is about opening archives to all, and yes - sharing.
At Digital Past, we are more than happy to share, and welcome
collaboration, so look forward to your help and support to ensure that the
resulting resource meets a broad need and satisfies the exacting standards
we all hold to.
Many thanks for your interest and thank you for your questions.
http://www.openarchive.co.uk
Steve White
Digital Past
T: 01686 626 962
E: s.white@digitalpast.co.uk
David Connolly
Digital Past
T: 01620 861643
M 0787 6528 498
E d.connolly@digitalpast.co.uk
I should be clear about three separate issues
1) This is not a British Archaeological Jobs Resource initiative.
2) There is comment about the "approach adopted in the 'Open
Archive' raising concerns" - let us be clear that data standards are
crucial, and to this end, the current structure (as remember this is a work
in progress, requiring seious input) is based exactly on the DES structure.
(if it is good enough for DES, it must be good) - More crucially, there
seems to be a misunderstanding concerning the direction. It does NOT and
HAS NOT made any claims to replacing or duplicating OASIS - that is a mainly
commercial archaeological system. This is dealing with a different
audience the local group - and is proactively engaging them.
3) The second issue is about 'archive' - We are aware of the long-term
sustainability issue and we are addressing this as we continue to develop.
To be specific, we do not view Scribd as the final solution; we are busy
designing and developing our own internal systems. In terms of
interoperability, we would welcome the adoption of web services and APIs
written to defined standards.
I sincerely hope that you see the benefit of a system that enhances, expands
and increases knowledge, and as you rightly say, "Archaeological archiving
works best when it is based on cooperation and collaboration, and the groups
and mechanisms to facilitate this are broadly in place." Our request is
that you (as a group) allow us to do just that, we are more than willing
(indeed it was our hope) that we can cooperate and collaborate with you. On
looking at another thread by Mike Heyworth we found the following lines
useful and quote them below:
Quote:"I do not believe it is divisive to have separate groups representing
different parts of our sector (IfA, CBA, ALGAO, FAME, etc) as long as we
work to a common agenda which I believe is the case."
"In particular we need to work out ways of engaging with a broader 21st
century audience."
At Digital Past, we want to enhance our record of the UK's Past, not overlap
or duplicate, but bring new opportunities to the 21st century and the
concept of sharing data in a way that suits people.
This discussion is best continued on a more formal manner - and we look
forward to hearing from the interested groups to discuss how best we can
move forward. Our contact details are below - so look forward to hearing
from you collectively or individually - we are more than happy to talk, to
meet and to assure. This is about access to material not previously
accessible as a central resource, it is about embracing new technologies and
it is about opening archives to all, and yes - sharing.
At Digital Past, we are more than happy to share, and welcome
collaboration, so look forward to your help and support to ensure that the
resulting resource meets a broad need and satisfies the exacting standards
we all hold to.
Many thanks for your interest and thank you for your questions.
http://www.openarchive.co.uk
Steve White
Digital Past
T: 01686 626 962
E: s.white@digitalpast.co.uk
David Connolly
Digital Past
T: 01620 861643
M 0787 6528 498
E d.connolly@digitalpast.co.uk
For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life to live, as the greatest he
Thomas Rainborough 1647
Thomas Rainborough 1647