Creating

Software

There are a number of software systems which can be used to create Open Access eprint archives. The two most popular are EPrints.org software and DSpace. Both are free to download and Open Source.

EPrints.org software is "dedicated to the freeing of the refereed research literature online through author/institution self-archiving." It was produced at the University of Southampton and is maintained there.

There are a number of sources of information on EPrints.org software - most available through its home page. Of particular interest is the documentation for the software and the technical mailing list with its archive. In addition an EPrints.org Wiki has been set up for the use of, and by, its user community.

To start using EPrints.org software, the site provides a handbook, with sections including a guide to starting self-archiving, managing an EPrints service, and installing an EPrints server for system administrators.

DSpace is the result of a collaboration between MIT Libraries and Hewlett-Packard and offers similar functionality to EPrints.org software for eprints, but additionally is designed to accept other material, such as video, multimedia artefacts, etc

The main DSpace site supports a FAQ, and has information on technical issues, including guidance on installing the system.

Most SHERPA partners use EPrints.org software. The approaches can be compared through examining a DSpace site and an Eprints.org site.

Metadata

Metadata issues are fundamental to the design and the functioning of an eprints repository. Produced as part of SHERPA work, there is an introduction to metadata requirements for an e-print repository available which gives an introduction and summary of the issues involved.