Unit 3 Readings

The assigned readings this week focus on open-source software designed for digital libraries.  Specifically, the articles focus on Greenstone and DSpace listing their features, history, advantages, and general usage information.  Both packages seem like great options for libraries and other organizations to investigate when in the planning stage of creating a digital library.

In one of my other classes, I have had the opportunity to use and build a small collection in Greenstone.  The Witten, Bainbridge and Boddie article presented the browser interface for both the public user and the administrator of the collection.  Having only used the desktop application interface, it was interesting to see the other side in more detail.  My class project was centered around the cataloging aspect of a digital collection, so it was unnecessary for us to explore to far past that functionality.

I have heard of DSpace, but have never used it.  In some ways, it seems similar to Omeka.  At least, it stood out to me that both have user submission features included.  I think I will explore more in this topic to see how much they actually compare.