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Appendix 3

Archival Management Systems Features Matrices [Full]

 

Note: I prepared the initial version of each archival management system feature matrix. To ensure accuracy and completeness, I then gave the vendors and developers an opportunity to edit the matrix or recommend revisions. All of them did so.

 

ADLIB ARCHIVE 6.3.0

Home Page

http://www.adlibsoft.com/

Developer

Adlib Information Systems (a company based in the Netherlands)

Developer's Description

"Intended specifically for managing collections in archives and records offices, Adlib Archive has been designed and developed by Adlib Information Systems, and is based on many years of experience in the collection management field. Adlib Archive offers comprehensive functionality and interfaces for professional archive management. Standard features include Accessions and accruals, hierarchical catalogue structure to ISAD(G), and authority records to ISAAR(CPF) standards, published document cataloguing, image linking and retrieval capabilities and interfaces to external files, such as Word or Excel documents, Web pages, etc."

License

Commercial

Purchasing Cost

Depends on number of users and database used.

Maintenance Cost

15% of the license per year

User Support

  • Web site
  • Help desk
  • User manual
  • User group
  • Remote assistance support

Training

  • Online tutorial
  • Training courses
  • Remote access training
  • On-site training

System Requirements

Adlib application: Windows 2000 or later operating system, 512MB of RAM for Windows 2000 or Windows XP, 1GB of RAM for Windows Vista

 

The Adlib Internet Server module runs on a Windows Server. "If you want to take advantage of ASP and XML technology, you should run Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), a component of Windows, on a Windows 2000 or 2003 Server."

Technical Architecture

  • Desktop client (Win32)
  • Database backend (SQL server, Oracle,
  • or Adlib proprietary database)
  • ASPX Internet application

Backup/Restore Utility

There is no integrated backup/restore utility. DBMS tools must be used to backup/restore.

Maturity

Adlib archive is in use in at least 50 archives, and the general Adlib software has been in use in more than1.600 institutions, for over 20 years.

Hosting Available?

Yes

Demo/Sandbox Available?

Yes (Windows based)

Sustainability

The Adlib archive software is based on international archival standards, such as ISAD-G and ISAAR. The software implements EAD data exchange, but also has OAI and SRU API's. The product's use of XML makes Adlib Archive a sustainable product.

Example Users

  • London Borough of Hillingdon, Central Library
  • Senate House Library, Special Collections, University of London
  • International Monetary Fund, Washington D.C.
  • Archive of the City of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • Bermuda Archives, Bermuda
  • Center for Documentation and Research, Abu Dhabi

 

Unique Features

  • OAI Support

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata

Exports MARC

Yes

Exports EAD

Yes

Exports Dublin Core

Yes

Exports MODS

Optional, by adding XSLT stylesheets

Exports METS

Optional, by adding XSLT stylesheets

Exports MADS

Optional, by adding XSLT stylesheets

Batch Exports EAD

Optional, by adding XSLT stylesheets

Batch Exports MARC

Yes

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

Yes

Imports EAD

Yes

Imports MARC

Yes

Imports Tab Delimited Files/CSV

Yes

Imports Digital Image Files

Yes

Import Accession Data

Yes

Batch Import EAD

Yes

Batch Import MARC

Yes

Batch Import CSV

Yes

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

Yes

Accessions

Yes

Create Deeds of Gift

Yes

Prioritize Processing Order

Yes, through the accessions module

Track Donors

Yes

Project Management

No

Record Condition

Yes, with purchase of conservation module

Manage Locations

Yes

Manage Restricted Materials

Yes

Manage Rights

Yes

Manage Loans and Exhibits

Yes

Deaccessioning

Yes

Reference Support

Yes

Generate Reports

Yes

Track Repository Statistics

Yes

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes

Controlled Vocabulary

Yes: "Pre-defined thesauri and term lists, e.g., the UNESCO Thesaurus may optionally be pre-loaded into the system."

Compliance to Archival Standards

ISAD-(G), EAD, ISAAR(CPF) 

Data Validation

Yes, using the validated fields and field entry templates

Templating/Default Fields

Yes

Support for Digital Media

Yes

Internationalization

Yes: Customization to support multilingual data entry; supports UTF-8. English, Dutch, German, French, Arabic, or Greek user interface. Data can also be stored in multiple languages (multiple language variants for the same field).

Flexibility of Data Model

Yes: Fields can be added, new tables can be added,

Item-level Description

Yes

Reorganize Hierarchies

Yes: "Using Adlib Designer, you can delete or add levels to this drop-down list [of six levels], or change the names of the levels (for instance, if you usually speak of a group or collection instead of a fonds, and of classes and items instead of series and files), and customize the possibilities of your archive hierarchy this way."

 

Dynamically Generate EAD Finding Aids

Yes

Publish Finding Aids Online

Yes, using Adlib Internet server

Administrative Functions

User Permissions

Yes: "Adlib Archive allows access rights to be assigned to both individual users and groups of users. This allows control of access to data and to certain functions, such as editing, deletion or output of data."

Support for Harvesting/ Syndication

Yes: OAI support via Adlib OAI Server is available at no charge to Adlib customers.

Customization/ Configuration

Yes: "Fields can be modified, added and removed, or new data structures built from scratch. Forms, menus and reports can likewise be changed, and the Adlib procedural language can be used to develop powerful and sophisticated data validation and manipulation procedures. All Adlib standard systems are delivered with tools so that you can customize the system yourself, or have our consultants do the work for you."

Spell Check

Yes

Bug Reporting

No, but found bugs can be reported using the MyAdlib Web site.

Interoperability with Digital Repository Systems

Yes

User Interface

Web Publishing

Yes, with purchase of Adlib Internet Server. "The optional Adlib Internet Server module, enables any Adlib database to be searched from a standard Web Browser over an Intranet or the Internet. Support for the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) is included. Adlib Information Systems can also build a customised Web application for your Adlib Internet Server, offering a wide range of possibilities and great flexibility."

Browse

Yes

Search

Yes: "The Search Wizard takes the user step by step through browsing and searching a number of pre-defined indexes, such as: Reference Code, Creator, Subjects and Places, etc. Query by Form: this technique allows simple searching across multiple fields. The Search Language allows searching across all fields in any combination, whether indexed or not. Queries can include Boolean and logical operators, and left or right truncation. Results are returned as sets which may also be combined. Both queries and results may be saved for later re-use."

Advanced Search

Yes

Customizable

Yes, using Adlib Designer

Built-in Help

Yes

Link to Images and

Other Files

Yes

Easy Data Entry

Yes

Other Features

?

 


 

Archivists' Toolkit 1.5

Home Page

http://www.archiviststoolkit.org/

Developer

University of California San Diego Libraries, the New York University Libraries, and the Five Colleges, Inc., Libraries. Funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Developer's Description

"The Archivists' Toolkitª, or AT, is the first open source archival data management system to provide broad, integrated support for the management of archives. It is intended for a wide range of archival repositories. The main goals of the AT are to support archival processing and production of access instruments, promote data standardization, promote efficiency, and lower training costs.

 

"Currently, the application supports accessioning and describing archival materials; establishing names and subjects associated with archival materials, including the names of donors; managing locations for the materials; and exporting EAD finding aids, MARCXML records, and METS, MODS and Dublin Core records. Future functionality will be built to support repository user/resource use information, appraisal for archival materials, expressing and managing rights information, and interoperability with user authentication systems."

License

Open source—Educational Community License, v. 1.0

Purchasing Cost

Free

Maintenance Cost

N/A

User Support

  • Listserv
  • User manual
  • Web site
  • FAQ
  • Wiki
  • Developers are regarded as being responsive to user requests.

Training Available

Yes

System Requirements

PC:

 

  * Operating System: Windows XP

  * Java 5 JRE, or JDK [also supports Java 1.6]

  * CPU: Pentium 4 2.4GHz+ or AMD 2400xp+

  * System Memory (RAM): 512MB

  * Hard Disk: 100MB free space

  * Screen: 1024x768

 

Mac:

 

  * Operating System: Mac OS X 10.4.5 (or higher)

  * Java 5 JRE, or JDK

  * CPU: G4 1.2Ghz

  * System Memory (RAM): 512MB

  * Hard Disk: 100MB free space

  * Screen: 1024x768

 

Supported Database Backends:

 

  * MySQL 5.0 (with the InnoDB storage engine)

  * MS SQL Server 2005 (or higher)

  * Oracle 10g

Technical Architecture

  • Java desktop client
  • Based on relational database model. Supported database backends include MySQL 5.0, MS SQL Server 2005 (or higher), and Oracle 10g.
  • Can work as a stand-alone or networked application.

 

Backup/Restore Utility

No

Maturity

Current release: Version 1.5. Now in Phase 2; Phase 2 release expected in February 2009. Beta testing of version 1 began in spring 2006.

Hosting Available?

Not currently

Demo/Sandbox available?

Yes: http://archiviststoolkit.org/support/sandbox1.1.shtml

Sustainability

Developed business plan in collaboration with Ithaka.

Example Users

1,062 registered users of Version 1.1; 1,756 registered users of Version 1. Users include Georgia Institute of Technology, Archives and Records Management; Princeton University, Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library; and University of California, Riverside, Special Collections & Archives Department.

Unique Strengths

  1. Strong support for archival management functions
  2. Supports export of METS, MODS, MARC, Dublin Core; batch export
  3. Many management reports
  4. Rich customization features
  5. Robust authority support
  6. Merge and transfer feature enables several staff to simultaneously describe different parts of the same resource.

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata

Exports MARC

Yes

Exports EAD

Yes

Exports Dublin Core

Yes

Exports MODS

Yes

Exports METS

Yes

Exports MADS

No

Batch Exports EAD

Yes: "From the resource browse screen select two or more resources that you want to export as either EAD files or MARCXML records."

Batch Exports MARC

Yes

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

No (?)

Imports EAD

Yes, including abstract, biographical/history note, scope and content, publication rights, conditions/restrictions, preferred citation, and name/subjects

Imports MARC

Yes

Imports Tab Delimited Files

Yes: "The Archivists Toolkit allows you to import data from either a tab-delimited file from a table or flat file, or from an XML file structured according to the Accessions XML schema provided with the Toolkit."

Imports Digital Image Files

No

Import Accession Data

Yes

Batch Import EAD

Yes: "Target a directory containing the EAD files to be imported and import all EAD files in the directory."

Batch Import MARC

No

Batch Import CSV

No

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

No: Has appraisal note.

Accessions

Yes, 40 fields

Create Deeds of Gift

No, but you can link to a deed of gift.

Prioritize Processing Order

Yes

Track Donors

Yes: Create contact info for donor.

Project Management

Sort of: Include "update by/when" on record.

Record Condition

Yes

Manage Locations/ Create Shelf List

Yes: Can batch add locations.

Manage Restricted Materials

Yes: Provides "field for indicating restrictions on the material due to

repository policy, donor specifications, legal requirements, etc."

Manage Rights

Yes

Manage Loans and Exhibits

No

Deaccessioning

Yes

Reference Support

No?

Generate Reports

Yes: Reports include accessions, names, subjects, resources, locations, and repository profile

Track Repository Statistics

Yes: "Includes new fields for recording repository statistics, per recommendations of Archival Metrics Project." Fields include services provided, staff size, collection foci, and repository's physical characteristics.

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes, name and subject authority

Controlled vocabulary

Yes: Can reference controlled vocabularies as source in name/subject record.

Compliance to Archival Standards

Yes:

  • International Council on Archives' ISAAR (CPF): International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons, and Families, 2nd ed.
  • EAC
  • AACR2
  • DACS

 

Data Validation

Yes: "If the record does not include required elements or conform to uniqueness requirements, the user is informed that the record is not valid, and provided with information necessary to fix the record."

Templating/Default Fields

Yes: Default values for accessions, deaccessions, locations, subjects, resources, resource components, digital objects, names, and users. Can use look-up (drop-down) values.

Support for Digital Media

Digital Object module supports describing both simple (single files) and complex (multiple files) digital objects. Produces unbound digital object, "one in which the metadata record simply references the digital content file" (e.g., Dublin Core), or bound digital object, one [in] which the metadata and the digital content files are bound together through the use of a digital binder or wrapper" (e.g., METS).

Internationalization

No

Flexibility of Data Model

Relational database model allows greater flexibility with output. Supports multilevel description according to standard archival practice. Drag-and-drop component-rearrangement tool.

Item-level Description

Conditionally

Reorganize Hierarchies

"To reorder component records, simply select the component you wish to move, and drag it up or down in the hierarchy, releasing the mouse button where you wish to place the component."

Dynamically Generate EAD Finding Aids

Yes

Publish Finding Aids Online

No

Administrative Functions

User Permissions

Yes, five levels of user permission, from beginning data entry staff to superuser

Support for Harvesting/ Syndication of Content

No

Customization/ Configuration

Yes: Can customize field labels, screen/browse view, note fields, search fields, reports, data formats, right-mouse functions, and drag and drop. Can create user-defined fields, e.g., date, Boolean, text, integer.

Spell Check

No

Bug Reporting

Yes

Interoperability with Digital Repository Systems

Planned for Phase 2

User Interface

Web Publishing

No

Browse

Yes

Search

Yes: Provides search filters. Can search Name, Subject, Accession, and Resource records. Component-level search results

Advanced Search

"For accession and resource records, the Search Editor also provides the ability to retrieve records by searching for related information. This includes names (creators, sources, subjects), subjects, location, or deaccession dates. In addition, you can search for resources containing a specific instance type, for example, digital objects and also for specific text within notes."

Customizable

Yes, see above.

Built-in Help

Yes, customizable; includes definition and examples.

Link to Images & Other Files

Yes

Speed Data Entry

"Rapid Data Entry feature to allow for repeated entry of component records with fewer mouse clicks than one would use during the process of adding individual component records and then adding instances." Customizable.


 

ARCHON 2.1

Home Page

http://www.archon.org/

Developer

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Library and University of Illinois Archives,

Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Developer's Description

"Archon is predicated on the notion that a unified, Web-based application is a lynchpin in expanding access to archival descriptive information, digital objects, and electronic records. In this sense, Archon can be thought of as a Content Management System (CMS) that allows archives and manuscript repositories to describe and provide access to the totality of their holdings. Like most content management systems, Archon requires only a set of very common, free technologies (a Web server running PHP 5.0 or higher and a database server, such as MySQL).

 

"It automatically publishes archival descriptive information and digital archival objects to a user-friendly Website. With Archon, there is no need to encode a finding aid, input a catalog record, or program a stylesheet. Archon's powerful scripts will automatically make everything in the system searchable and browsable on your repository's Website!

 

"Archon will simplify your workflow and save you time. Once you've input or edited information using some simple Web forms, Archon automatically uploads the files, publishes the Website, and generates EAD and MARC records."

 

License

Illinois Open Source License

Purchasing Cost

Free

Maintenance Cost

Free

User Support

  • Listserv
  • User forums
  • Web site
  • Responsive developers
  • User manual

Training

Proposal for Archon workshop submitted to SAA

System Requirements

User:

á       A recent Web browser on any platform

 

Admin:

á       Blank MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server database

á       A Web server (of any type) running PHP 5.0 or higher.

Technical Architecture

Web-based platform built using PHP 5.0 and SQL database as back end

Backup/Restore Utility

"Export the entire database for backup purposes, and restore data from a backup files or using a user-defined SQL script."

 

Maturity

Archon 1.0 released August 2006. Archon 2.1 released April 2008, Archon 2.2 to be released July 2008 [Update?]

Hosting Available?

No, but plans to study potential for hosted Web services.

Demo/Sandbox Available?

Yes, http://www.archon.org/sandbox.php

Sustainability

Currently supported by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Won a Mellon Award for Technology Collaboration.

 

Will develop sustainability plan.

 

Example Users

"A substantial user community has emerged; the software has been downloaded 900 times, installed or upgraded over 600 times, and at least 30 'production' applications currently running or planned."

 

William & Mary, Purdue, Southern Illinois at Carbondale, Florida Center for Automation, San Diego State, University of Iowa, Wheaton, Bethel College, Missouri Historical Society

Unique Strengths

  1. Makes it easy for archives to publish finding aids online
  2. Optimized for Google so content is easy to discover
  3. Ease of data entry
  4. Digital library module supports linking digital files to finding aids
  5. Low development overhead/cost
  6. Facilitates access to and reuse of archival information and digital objects
  7. Encourages efficient descriptive practices

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata

Exports MARC

Yes

Exports EAD

Yes

Exports Dublin Core

No?

Exports MODS

No

Exports METS

No

Exports MADS

No

Batch Exports EAD

Batch exporters planned for the next post 2.2 release

Batch Exports MARC

No?

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

No?

Imports EAD

Yes

Imports MARC

Yes, including batch import

Imports Tab Delimited Files/ CSV

Yes, CSV

Imports Digital Image Files

Yes?

Import Accession Data

Batch import data from MARC, EAD (XML), or CSV format

Batch Import EAD

Yes

Batch Import MARC

Yes

Batch Import CSV

Yes

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

No?

Accessions

Yes:

  • "Enter basic information for recently received materials."
  • "Link accessions to one or more existing collections or record groups."
  • "Transfer basic accession records into collections records for further editing."
  • "List unprocessed materials in an 'accessions manager'."

Create Deeds of Gift

No?

Prioritize Processing Order

Yes

Track Donors

No?

Project Management

No?

Record Condition

An AV Preservation Assessment module is expected in June 2009.

 

Manage Locations

Yes: "Track room, range, section, and shelf locations for each collection."

Manage Restricted Materials

Yes

Manage Rights

Not really, although there is a rights field.

Manage Loans and Exhibits

No

Deaccessioning

No

Reference Support

Not really, but Archon allows archives to "manage information related to researcher accounts and appointments established by researchers.

 

"Users can register accounts, place collections, series, folders and items into a virtual cart, email the list to the archives, and establish appointment times. The menus in this area allow the Archon administrator to view and edit information related to researcher accounts, carts, and logins."

 

Generate Reports

No?

Track Repository Statistics

No?

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes:

  • "Develop creator authorities and controlled subject lists, and link them to collections and digital objects."
  • "Create and edit creator and subject authority records, which may be linked to classifications, collections, or digital objects. Changes made to authority records will automatically propagate to associated collections or digital objects."

Controlled Vocabulary

Yes

Compliance to Archival Standards

EAD, MARC, DACS

Data Validation

?

Templating/Default Fields

Yes: "Templates control the particular data elements that appear on a particular page. They are not intended to control display properties such as layout, colors and fonts."

Support for Digital Media

Yes: "Upload digital objects/electronic records or link archival descriptions to external URLs."

Internationalization

Yes: Currently offers Spanish and English interfaces; French and Italian being considered.

Flexibility of Data Model

  • "Define "repository-level" information such as address, contact information, and overall arrangement scheme."
  • "Define record groups or other classifications."
  • Archon's data model can accommodate any organizational hierarchy.

Item-level Description

Yes: "Describe the series, subseries, files, items, etc. within each collection."

Reorganize Hierarchies

Yes: User can transfer levels to another point in hierarchy.

Dynamically Generate EAD Finding Aids

Yes

Publish Finding Aids Online

Yes

Administrative Functions

User Permissions

Yes:

  • "Add, edit, or delete user accounts, allowing or denying people access to the staff interface."
  • Different levels of permission depending on user type

Support for Harvesting/ Syndication

No

Customization/ Configuration

Yes:

  • "Create new output templates to show the data in any way you choose (two such templates are included with the current Archon Distribution packet)."
  • "My Preferences: Change password, select administrative interface language, and set display order for the user's staff 'homepage'."
  • "Phrase Manager: Set and change staff interface labels, error messages, and help texts."

 

Spell Check

No

Bug Reporting

?

Interoperability with Digital Repository Systems

Not yet, but plans to Increase interoperability with other systems using OAI and SWORD technologies.

 

User Interface

Web Publishing

"Archon automatically publishes a Website containing collection-level descriptions, full finding aids, and linked digital objects. Regardless of which browser you use to create and edit records, Archon's end-user output can be viewed with any Web browser."

 

End-users can:

  • "View, download, and use digital objects/electronic records."
  • Easily navigate from digital objects to archival descriptions and vice versa."
  • Jump easily between collections and digital objects sharing the same subject, creator, or archival record group."

 

Archon plans "to investigate the addition of a 'user annotation' feature so that archival end-users can submit comments regarding archival collections and/or individual digital objects."

Browse

Yes: Users can "browse materials by collection title, digital object title, controlled subject heading, creator authority record, or archival record group."

  • "Provides hyperlinks to other collections and digital objects that are related by provenance, subject, or creator."
  • "Unlike the traditional archival finding aid, which spreads "collection-level" descriptive information over several pages, Archon provides links to all essential information "above the fold" in the Web-browser, so that users do not need to scroll to find essential information."

Search

Yes:

  • "Search queries can be entered against either collection-level records or the full content of finding aids (including box and folder lists)."
  • "Simultaneously search descriptions of archival materials, electronic records, and digital objects."
  • "View, print, and search finding aids for individual collections."

Advanced Search

Yes: Phrase-based searching, can exclude terms.

Search filter so that user does not have to scroll to find information.

Customizable

Yes: Nontechnical staff can modify Archon's themes and customize the interface if they know a little HTML and PHP.

 

Archon plans to "undertake usability studies and develop new administrative and end-user themes."

 

Built-in Help

Yes: "Use an integrated help system by clicking the help buttons."

Link to Images and Other Files

Yes: "The digital library [module] is used to link to external digital objects and to directly upload digital objects and electronic records into the system. Linked or uploaded objects can be associated with individual collections or any subordinate parts of a collection (e.g., series, items, files) that have been entered. Hyperlinks between the digital object and the associated collection automatically appear in the public Website."

Easy Data Entry

Yes: "Edit descriptive information directly from an enhanced public interface by clicking the edit icon: Archon pencil image."

 

When a user begins typing a controlled-subject term, Archon filters a list of potential terms, allowing the user to select the appropriate one.

 

 

 


 

CALM FOR ARCHIVES

Home Page

http://www.ds.co.uk

Developer

DS is a member of the Axiell Library Group, based in the United Kingdom.

Developer's Description

"Calm is the leading Archives management system in the UK. DS has worked for many years with specialists to develop our Calm products: comprehensive and integrated systems suited to diverse organizational needs. Calm makes it easy to manage data across the heritage sector. All relevant standards are supported seamlessly within one system. Development in partnership with customers ensures that Calm reflects current and changing professional standards. DS is committed to providing mechanisms that allow customers to work with others in similar and cross-sectoral areas."

License

Commercial

Purchasing Cost

Depends on number of staff clients and modules purchased.

Maintenance Cost

25% of software license cost. This includes free updates and upgrades to all purchased modules.

User Support

  • Help desk
  • User group listserv
  • Online manual

Training

Yes, customized to user requirements.

System Requirements

Server specification:
Windows 2000, 2003, 2008 Server Standard Edition
.Net 2.0 + IIS 6 or higher (for CalmView Web module) + TCP/IP networking

RAM – 2Gb
HDD – 1.5Mb per 1000 text records + space required for other media files
RAID and backup to suit customer standards
Calm will run in a VM Server environment.

 

Client specification:
2000 Pro, XP pro, Vista Business or Ultimate
RAM – 512Mb minimum
HDD - 10Mb
Display currently 800x600 but will increase to 1024x768 minimum for next release.

Technical Architecture

Client/server application, runs as a Windows Service.

Uses a proprietary database.

 

CalmView public access module based on .NET/APSX.

Backup/Restore Utility

Backup to fit local customer standards. Restore based on restoring database files from last backup.

Maturity

Calm products have been available for 12 years, with over 300 installations across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Hosting Available?

Yes

Demo/Sandbox Available?

Yes

Sustainability

"Calm has a very large and active user community, and development is based on a user consensus approach. Calm conforms to current approved international standards, including ISAD(G), ISAAR, EAD and OAI. It is our policy to conform to standards once they are ratified.

 

"There is an optional ESCROW agreement available."

Example Users

U.K.:

National Archives of Scotland

Wellcome Library

London School of Economics and Political Science

The British Postal Museum and Archive

Hampshire Record Office

The National Gallery

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Transport for London

 

Other:

National Archive of Portugal, Lisbon

Shell Family Archives Centre, the Netherlands

Unique Features

"Calm is a modular system designed to provide a full range of Collection Management functions, including:

  • Accessions/Loans In
  • Depositor/Owner/Lender
  • Catalogue
  • Authority Files
  • Conservation
  • Enquiries
  • Productions/Loans Out/Movement Control
  • Condition Check
  • User Management


Unique features include:

  • Dynamic collection hierarchy display through 'tree view'
  • Date parser for searching nonspecific dates
  • Flexible staff client GUI [What is GUI?]
  • Support for "messy" data schemas
  • Archives and Museums standards integrated into one application without compromise.
  • Can be translated into other languages (including database commands)"

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata

Exports MARC

Yes, can be mapped

Exports EAD

Yes

Exports Dublin Core

Yes, can be mapped

Exports MODS

No

Exports METS

No

Exports MADS

No

Batch Exports EAD

Yes

Batch Exports MARC

Yes

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

Yes

Imports EAD

Yes

Imports MARC

Yes

Imports Tab Delimited Files/CSV

Yes

Imports Digital Image Files

Yes: Further integration in next release with implementation of new digital repository module.

Import Accession Data

Yes

Batch Import EAD

Yes

Batch Import MARC

Yes

Batch Import CSV

Yes

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

Yes

Accessions

Yes

Create Deeds of Gift

Yes

Prioritize Processing Order

Yes

Track Donors

Yes

Project Management

No

Record Condition/ Conservation

Yes

Manage Locations

Yes: Has a locations database for stock check and collections management.

Manage Restricted Materials

Yes

Manage Rights

Yes

Manage Loans and Exhibits

Yes

Deaccessioning

Yes

Reference Support

Yes: Provides support for reference requests.

Generate Reports

Yes

Track Repository Statistics

Yes

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes, for names, places, periods, events, subjects, and class.

Controlled Vocabulary

Yes: Provides for both single and polyhierarchical subject thesaurus options and provision of the UNESCO or UKAT thesaurus if required by customer.

Compliance to Archival Standards

Yes: Supports EAD and ISAD (G) and is compliant with ISAAR (CPF) and NCA name authority guidelines.

Data Validation

Yes: Calm has a sophisticated date parser allowing storage and searching across a variety of date ranges; e.g., a search for "spring 1916" will retrieve record with date April 1916 or circa [?] 1915 or Easter 1916.

Templating/Default Fields

Yes: Has extensive field and template customization options.

Support for Digital Media

Yes: Links to electronic data sources, including images, audio, and video.

Internationalization

Yes: Backend database Unicode aware, and the interface is translatable.

Flexibility of Data Model

Calm has a flexible database structure, fully supporting relational and hierarchical relationships.

Item-level Description

Yes

Supports Hierarchical Cataloging

Yes: Flexible and dynamic tree structure for managing collection hierarchy. Hierarchy levels are not hard coded, which allows customers flexibility to define their own collection structures.

Dynamically Generate EAD Finding Aids

Yes

Publish Finding Aids Online

Yes, using CalmView public access module

Administrative Functions

User Permissions

Yes

Support for Harvesting/ Syndication

Yes: OAI repository and harvester module available.

Customization/ Configuration

Yes: Record relationships can be viewed through a unique graphical tree browser. Fields are repeatable (unless functionally undesirable) and can contain up to 64,000 characters of searchable text per field; record templates can be modified, but also, unusually, individual records of the same type can have fields added or removed. A standard utility called DS Admin allows the system administrator to vary record types, field labels, authority fields, picklists, and many other functions, without jeopardizing a common upgrade path. All field properties (width, position, label, font, picklist, mandatory, serial number, bib1/MARC/XML attributes, etc.) are user defined using DS Admin.

Spell Check

Yes, provided as standard

Bug Reporting

Yes, through support channels and resolved through standard service-level agreements

Interoperability with Digital Repository Systems

Yes, with external systems through API, XML broker, or exposed URL. Integrated digital repository module available with next release.

User Interface

Web Publishing

Yes: CalmView is the new public access module for Calm, and allows any data and/or images stored in a Calm database to be searched locally or remotely (intranet or Internet) through a Web browser. It is fully parameterized and allows local configuration to control search options (e.g., keyword, Google style simple search, wildcard), screen displays, visible/hidden fields, search filters, data security, access to images and electronic documents, links to other URLs, hierarchical browsing, bookmarking, image watermarking, plus "showcase/image gallery/what's new" features.

Browse

Yes

Search

Calm is a structured full-text retrieval system and has search features including any text, field specific, wildcard, proximity, keyword, date parser, Boolean, widen/narrow/exclude, and/or/not, synonym, etc. All fields or combinations of fields may be searched unless functionally undesirable. All words are indexed automatically unless set as a stopword. All fields are indexed automatically unless set as unindexed by the administrator.

Advanced Search

Yes, customizable, support for intelligent date searching, synonym, wild card, etc.

Customizable

Yes: CalmView has "out-of-the-box" theming/skinning. Calm application has flexible DS Admin module.

Built-in Help

Yes

Link to Images and Other Files

Yes

Easy Data Entry

Yes: Many of the databases have relational features, so it is possible to move seamlessly across databases using the database tabs and access any associated records. Calm has a dynamic, customizable user interface with a context- sensitive button strip to help workflow operations.

Other Features

  • "Calm is able to concurrently support field and record definitions from multiple standards. Record templates classified according to local requirements mean that archival records conform to international archival standards including ISAD(G), MAD, ISAAR(CPF) and NCA rules, the UK SPECTRUM standard is used as a guide for collection management of museum records, while standard AACR2-compatible bibliographic structures are used for library materials."

  • "Calm is designed to support the concept of hierarchical collection management, typically used in the field of archives management, but equally relevant in all areas of heritage collection management. Records may be created at any level, including collection and item. The hierarchical structure supports the concept of blank nodes, i.e., item-level records may be created initially, and collection-level records added at a later date. Calm catalogue fields are mapped to unqualified Dublin Core elements within the database definitions, and these can be used as a basis for data import, export and searching.?

  • "Calm has a sophisticated date parser allowing storage and searching across a variety of date ranges. It also permits exact matches on dates, e.g., date ends with 1910. The date formats were agreed by our users, e.g., an AD circa date is 10 years either side, and DS can consider other date formats if requested, provided they can be calculated by the underlying program."

  • "Manages digital assets using ImageView and records metadata relating to digital images in the optional Images database."

 


 

 

CUADRA STAR

Home Page

http://www.cuadra.com (home page)

http://www.cuadra.com/products/archives.html (description of STAR/Archives)

Developer

Cuadra Associates, Inc.

Developer's Description

"STAR/Archives supports the management of archival collections of all types. In describing your collection, you can choose an appropriate level within the full hierarchical model—collections, series, containers, and items.

 

"With STAR/Archives you can manage the accessioning process, track donors and generate deeds of gift; describe and maintain multiple archival collections, including collections with digitized materials; reorganize the hierarchies as required; provide Web-based access to your collections; search within or across collections; link images and other electronic files; and manage your inventory.

 

 "You can also dispense with the labor-intensive process of creating finding aids by using a text editor or an SGML/XML authoring tool. STAR/Archives dynamically creates EAD finding aids as XML files whenever you need them. STAR/Archives provides support for many standards, including ISAD (g), DACS, Dublin Core, and EAD."

License

Commercial

 

Two options are available: a perpetual license and a subscription to the hosted service

Purchasing Cost

The price depends on whether STAR/Archives is hosted by the company or on the institution's own servers, as well as the number of simultaneous users supported and several other variables. Training, data conversion, maintenance, and peripherals also entail separate costs.

 

Cost estimates are provided on request.

Maintenance Cost

Software maintenance is included in the subscription cost of the hosted solution.

 

For the perpetual license, the first year of software maintenance is free.

 

User Support

  • Available 12 hours a day, Monday–Friday
  • Users can contact support by phone, e-mail, or fax.
  • Web site
  • Teleconferencing
  • Web conference
  • Reputed to provide good customer service.

 

Training

Yes: Generally delivered via teleconference; however, on-site training is also available. For teleconferenced training: 12 hours initial training, 6 hours follow-up training. For onsite training: 3 days on site. System management training is in addition.

System Requirements

Varies by the operating system of the server. The following server operating systems are supported: Windows 2000/2003; Unix; Linux.

 

Users responsible for creating records and managing the application need PCs that run under Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows XP, or Vista.

Technical Architecture

  1. Windows client for managing collections
  2. Web-based public search interface

Backup/Restore Utility

STAR relies on standard backup procedures that are included with operating systems and commercial third-party backup software.

Maturity

STAR itself was first released in 1982. Organizations have been using STAR to manage archival collections since 1983. STAR/Archives was released in 2003.

Hosting Available?

Yes

Demo/Sandbox Available?

Yes, by request

Sustainability

Maintained by company

Example Users

Available on request

Unique Strengths

  1. Institutions without much technical support can have Cuadra host their data
  2. Provides browser-based public search interface
  3. Rich archival management features
  4. Flexibility

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata[44]

Exports MARC

Yes

Exports EAD

Yes: Finding aids are generated in EAD as XML files (one user reported problems with EAD export).

Exports Dublin Core

Yes

Exports MODS

No

Exports METS

No

Exports MADS

No

Batch Exports EAD

Yes: EAD files for a repository can be exported as a batch.

Batch Exports MARC

Yes

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

Yes

Imports EAD

Yes, with support from the company

Imports MARC

Yes, with support from the company

Imports Tab Delimited Files/ CSV

Yes: Customers that have perpetual licenses can use STAR's toolkit to filter and import such data. For others, and for most new customers, Cuadra staff can import such data on the user's behalf.

Imports Digital Image Files

Digital image files are linked to item-level records, not imported. Cuadra links the files to the item-level records as part of legacy data conversion projects. From then on, users themselves link the files as they enter item-level records.

Import Accession Data

Yes: Customers that have perpetual licenses can use STAR's toolkit to filter and import such data. For others, and for most new customers, Cuadra staff can import these data on the user's behalf.

Batch Import EAD

Yes, with support from company

Batch Import MARC

Yes, with support from company

Batch Import CSV

Yes: Customers that have perpetual licenses can use STAR's toolkit to filter and import such data. For others, Cuadra staff can import these data on the users behalf

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

Yes

Accessions

Yes

Create Deeds of Gift

Yes

Prioritize Processing Order

No

Track Donors

Yes

Project Management

No

Record Condition

Yes: Includes fields for recording condition as well as conservation.

Manage Locations

 Yes

Manage Restricted Materials

Yes: "Control who can see records as well as the associated images and files."

Manage Rights

Yes: "Records reproduction and other ownership rights and logs rights granted to others."

Manage Loans and Exhibits

Yes, loans. Support for exhibit management is planned.

Deaccessioning

Yes

Reference Support

No

Generate Reports

Yes, customizable report function

Track Repository Statistics

While the application does not yet meet the standards that are being developed by the University of Michigan, several statistical reports are included in STAR/Archives.

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes

Controlled Vocabulary

Yes

Compliance to Archival Standards

ISAD(G), EAD, Dublin Core, DACS

Data Validation

Yes

Templating/Default Fields

Yes

Support for Digital Media

Yes

Internationalization

Partial: supports translation of user interfaces

Flexibility of Data Model

Yes

Item-level Description

Yes

Reorganize Hierarchies

Yes: "Reorganize hierarchies as required."

Dynamically Generate EAD Finding Aids

Yes

Publish Finding Aids Online

Yes

Administrative Functions

User Permissions

Yes

Support for Harvesting/ Syndication

No

Customization/ Configuration

Yes

Spell Check

Yes

Bug Reporting

Yes: Customers are encouraged to report problems to Customer Support. Problems are addressed as they are discovered or reported, and the customers affected by any particular problem are provided with either a fix or a workaround.

Interoperability with Digital Repository Systems

 STAR includes APIs that allow other software programs to communicate with STAR.

User Interface

Web Publishing

Yes: Web-based public interface that allows for searching within and across collections.

Browse

Yes

Search

Yes: "Search within or across collections"

Advanced Search

Yes

Customizable

Yes: "Advanced searching allows the use of explicit Boolean operators, set combinations, date-ranging, and field selection." In addition, both the look and the functionality of the Web module can be customized in many different ways.

Built-in Help

Yes

Link to Images and Other Files

Yes

Easy Data Entry

Yes

Other Features

  • "Manage your inventory."
  • "Track items in circulation."
  • Includes a Web-based public access module that allows for searching both on and across collections. "Smart" hypertext search links, galleries of electronic files, and a "dual" finding aid report that allows the hierarchy for a given collection to be used as a navigation aid are all part of the public access module.
  • Many capabilities are provided to help archivists enter data easily and quickly. For instance, data can be entered in the Accessions module and then copied into the Cataloging module.
  • Legacy data conversion services are available.

 

 

 


 

ELOQUENT ARCHIVES

Home Page

http://www.eloquent-systems.com/products/archives.shtml

Developer

Eloquent Systems Inc

Developer's Description

"Eloquent Archives is an integrated application including all the functions for archival description, accessioning/de-accessioning, controlling vocabulary, custodial management, research requests, tracking, and other workflow management.

 

"Eloquent Archives software can easily be configured for any size or type of institution. Existing customers include state/provincial and local government, major corporations, and small heritage institutions.

 

"Eloquent Archives complies with international standards such as ISAD(G), RAD, EAD, DACS, and ISAAR. The software supports hierarchical structures and multi-dimensional linking of data elements. Researchers can easily navigate through the database to find what they need."

License

Commercial or SaaS

Purchasing Cost

$4,000 to $35,000, depending on modules used and size of holdings. SaaS: No purchase; annual fee $2,700 to $9,500.

Maintenance Cost

15% of list price (not required with SaaS)

User Support

Unlimited hotline support with annual maintenance fee

Training

Just-in-time with WebEx remote service

System Requirements

Any MS Windows Server for software; any Internet browser for all client and admin functions

Technical Architecture

Entirely Web-based

Backup/Restore Utility

Yes: "Easy recovery of deleted data."

Maturity

Smooth progression from DOS, Windows, and Web over 20 years

Hosting Available?

Yes

Demo/Sandbox Available?

Yes

Sustainability

The software will run forever if you do not make significant changes to the server system software. Data can be exported at any time. Annual support fees are highly advisable, but not mandatory.

Example Users

Unique Features

  • Track researchers and usage of collections
  • Supports online research requests
  • Google Map interface for search results
  • No coding required for HTML/EAD output
  • Exported data delivered as automatic e-mail attachment automatically to user
  • Very modular for flexible pricing and configuration
  • Expands to include library, museum, and records management applications.

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata

Exports MARC

No, but exported EAD can be run through free publicly available EAD-to-MARC conversion software.

Exports EAD

Yes

Exports Dublin Core

Yes

Exports MODS

P – Eloquent XML Export Utility can be configured the DTD for MODS.

Exports METS

P – Eloquent XML Export Utility can be configured the DTD for METS.

Exports MADS

P – Eloquent XML Export Utility can be configured the DTD for MADS.

Batch Exports EAD

Yes

Batch Exports MARC

P – Export to EAD and use third-party utility to convert to MARC

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

Yes

Imports EAD

Yes

Imports MARC

Yes: For library component of product; from there, integrated with archives or migrated to descriptive record structure.

Imports Tab Delimited Files/CSV

Yes

Imports Digital Image Files

Yes: Attaches all formats of digital content to metadata.

Import Accession Data

Yes

Batch Import EAD

Yes

Batch Import MARC

Yes: For library component of product; from there, integrated with archives or migrated to descriptive record structure.

Batch Import CSV

Yes

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

Can be custom tailored for minimal charge.

Accessions

Yes

Create Deeds of Gift

Yes

Prioritize Processing Order

Yes, can be tailored.

Track Donors

Yes

Project Management

Yes:

  • "Monitor the status of accessions."
  • "Track archivists responsible for the accession."

Record Condition

Yes: "Track accessioning, location management, preservation and treatment."

Manage Locations

Yes

Manage Restricted Materials

Yes: "Record access restrictions."

Manage Rights

Configurable user groups and users ranging through public, staff, and administrator.

Manage Loans and Exhibits

Yes

Deaccessioning

Yes

Reference Support

Partial: "Manage reading room research activities."

Generate Reports

Yes: "Generate reports in HTML, PDF, XML or ASCII."

Track Repository Statistics

Partial:

  • "Log all use of materials."
  • "Log all research requests."
  • Log size (linear and cubic measure) in detail and summary totals by various selection criteria.

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes, compliant with ISAAR(CPF)

Controlled Vocabulary

Yes, support for building thesauri

Compliance to Archival Standards

Yes: "Invoke DACS, ISAD(G) and RAD standards, or custom

versions."

Data Validation

Yes, on specific fields

Templating/Default Fields

Yes, and copy of entire existing record for minor modification into a new record.

Support for Digital Media

Yes: "Include any form of digital content such as documents, images, and multimedia."

Internationalization

Yes: "Support concurrent users in the language of their choice."

Flexibility of Data Model

Yes, with WebGENCAT database component all components of the application can be modified or enhanced. Or, a new application can be built from scratch.

Item-level Description

Yes

Reorganize Hierarchies

Yes: Supports any number of levels; user-definable names for levels; flexible structures within various branches of a tree.

Dynamically Generate EAD Finding Aids

Yes

Publish Finding Aids Online

Yes

Administrative Functions

User Permissions

Yes: "Restrict access to sensitive data through privacy and security controls."

Support for Harvesting/ Syndication

Can export EAD for import into another system; EAD contains links for dynamic access to source database; can link out to other databases for related data. Eloquent's Branch Module supports building a union catalog for consortia of smaller institutions.

Customization/ Configuration

Yes: "Create additional fields, entry screens, and reports with development tools."

Spell Check

Yes: Available with some browsers; can be added to all other browsers; uses the browser vocabulary/dictionary.

Bug Reporting

Yes, covered with annual maintenance fee.

Interoperability with Digital Repository Systems

No, but appropriate interface can be easily tailored for most digital repositories.

User Interface

Web Publishing

Yes

Browse

Yes

Search

Yes

Advanced Search

  • Can save searches.
  • "Precision searches with authorized terms and Boolean logic."
  • "Searching the database plots the locations on Googleª Maps. Clicking points on the map presents detail and images from your database."

Customizable

Yes: "Full control over look and feel of Web pages."

Built-in Help

Yes: "Context-sensitive online help."

Link to Images and Other Files

Yes

Easy Data Entry

Yes, through Web forms

Other Features

  • "Print barcodes and labels in PDF format."
  • "Record research requests."
  • "Highlight entered search terms in PDFs when they are returned as search results."
  • "Generate entire Websites on the fly using your archival descriptions."

 


 

 

ICA-AToM 1.2[45]

Home Page

http://ica-atom.org/

Developer

Project Partners:

  • The International Council on Archives (ICA)
  • Artefactual Systems Inc.
  • The Dutch Archiefschool Research Institute
  • Alouette Canada

 

Project Funders:

  • United Arab Emirates Center for Documentation and Research
  • Dutch Archiefschool Research Institute
  • French Archives Directorate
  • UNESCO Information For All Programme
  • World Bank Library and Archives of Development

Developer's Description

"ICA-AtoM is Web-based archival description software that is based on International Council on Archives (ICA) standards. 'AtoM' is an acronym for 'Access to Memory'. ICA-AtoM is multi-lingual and supports multi-repository collections."

License

GPL v2 license

Purchasing Cost

Free

Maintenance Cost

Free

User Support

  • User mailing list
  • Wiki
  • Forums
  • Manual
  • Help function

Training

"Yes, including train-the-trainers package"

System Requirements

  • Web server (e.g., Apache or IIS)
  • Database (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, Postgres)
  • Web browser for archivist/end-user

Technical Architecture

"ICA-AtoM comprises:

 

  • HTML pages served to a Web browser from a Web server. Apache is used in development but ICA-AtoM is also compatible with IIS.

 

  • A database on a database server. MySQL is used in development, but ICA-AtoM uses a database abstraction layer and is therefore also compatible with Postgres, SQLite, SQLServer, Oracle, etc.

 

  • PHP5 software code that manage requests and responses between the Web clients, the application logic and the application content stored in the database.

 

  • The Symfony Web framework that organizes the component parts using object-orientation and best practice Web design patterns.

 

  • The Qubit open information management toolkit, developed by the ICA-AtoM project and customized to make the ICA-AtoM application [fully Web-based]."

Backup/Restore Utility

Yes: Will be included in 1.2.

Maturity

Currently under development; projected to be available in summer 2009. ICA-AToM 1.0 was released for beta testing in July, 2008

Hosting Available?

Yes: "The core developers (Artefactual Systems) will offer hosting and other service providers will be encouraged to provide hosting services."

 

Demo/Sandbox Available?

Yes: A demo CD is available for download at http://ica-atom.org/democd. An online demo copy is available at http://ica-atom.org/demo. This will give anyone a login password and allow you to play with the software. In addition, the software will be available for download with a Web application installer. In addition, the software code is available for checkout at http://ica-atom.org/code.html.

Sustainability

ICA-AToM is pursuing a multifaceted approach to sustainability, including grant support, membership, and training workshops. They have put forward a business model:

 

"The ICA-AtoM software will always be publicly available as free and open source software. In order to raise funds to achieve the project's objectives and values, the ICA-AtoM Project will establish a business model that includes the following components:

 

  1. applying for grants and subsidies;

  2. charging fees for delivering ICA-AtoM–related training workshops;

  3. creating a purely voluntary institutional membership model, based on fees or contributions in kind, to pool the resources of those institutions that are using ICA-AtoM;

  4. charging a commission for brokering ICA-AtoM technical services between recommended third-party contractors and institutions seeking assistance with ICA-AtoM installation, hosting, customization, new feature development, etc."

 

A "bounty" model is also being considered.

Example Users

Dutch Archiefschool Research Institute

Unique Features

  • "Supports single or multi-repository implementations."
  • "Follows accessibility best practices."
  • "Provides multi-lingual interfaces and content translation features."
  • Will support harvesting and syndication through OAI and ATOM.
  • Will interface with digital repositories.

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata

Exports MARC

Yes

Exports EAD

Yes

Exports Dublin Core

Yes

Exports MODS

Yes

Exports METS

Yes

Exports MADS

?

Batch Exports EAD

Yes

Batch Exports MARC

Yes

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

Yes

Imports EAD

Yes

Imports MARC

Yes

Imports Tab Delimited Files/CSV

Yes

Imports Digital Image Files

Yes

Import Accession Data

?

Batch Import EAD

Yes

Batch Import MARC

MARC XML

Batch Import YML

Yes

Batch Import CSV

Yes

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

Yes

Accessions

Yes

Create Deeds of Gift

Yes

Prioritize Processing Order

?

Track Donors

Yes

Project Management

?

Record Condition

?

Manage Locations

Yes

Manage Restricted Materials

?

Manage Rights

Yes

Manage Loans and Exhibits

?

Deaccessioning

?

Reference Support

Yes, retrieval and reproduction requests

Generate Reports

Yes

Track Repository Statistics

Yes

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes

Controlled Vocabulary

Yes: "Controlled vocabularies (functions, subjects, places) used throughout the system (e.g., as access points or in drop-down value lists). Organized into separate taxonomies."

 

Compliance to Archival Standards

Yes: "ICA-AtoM is built around the International Council on Archives' (ICA) descriptive standards:

 

  • General International Standard Archival Description (ISAD-G) - 2nd edition, 1999.

 

  • International Standard Archival Authority Record (Corporate bodies, Persons, Families) (ISAAR [CPF[) - 2nd edition, 2003.

 

  • International Standard For Describing Institutions with Archival Holdings (ISDIAH) - 1st edition, March 2008.

 

Future iterations of ICA-AtoM will support:

 

  • International Standard For Describing Functions (ISDF) - 1st edition, May 2007."
  • Digital object metadata is based on METS.

Data Validation

?

Templating/Default Fields

Yes: Admin can create templates.

Support for Digital Media

Yes: "Upload and display of digital media. Interface to digital media repositories."

Internationalization

Yes: "All screen elements (buttons, links, fields, labels) and database contents can be translated into multiple languages. The current version of ICA-AtoM (v1.0 beta) supports the following languages:

  * Dutch

  * English

  * French

  * Portuguese

  * Spanish"

  • UTF-8 character support
  • Will support "all languages using left-to-right, right-to-left and up-to-down scripts."

Flexibility of Data Model

Yes, custom user-fields, crosswalks to other standard

Item-level Description

Yes

Support for Hierarchical Description

Yes, multilevel description

Dynamically Generate EAD Finding Aids

Yes

Publish finding aids online

Yes

Administrative Functions

User Permissions

Yes: Roles include "Researcher, Contributor, Editor, Translator and Administrator."

 

Support for Harvesting/ Syndication

Yes, via OAI and IETF Atom Publishing Protocol (APP)

 

Customization/ Configuration

Yes, custom menus; application configuration settings

Spell Check

?

Bug Reporting

Online bug/issue tracking database available to public

Interoperability with Digital Repository Systems/Multi-institution Support

"ICA-AtoM can be used by a single institution for its own descriptions or it can be set up as a multi-repository "union list" accepting descriptions from any number of contributing institutions."

 

Interfaces with digital media repositories.

User Interface

Web Publishing

Fully Web based: "All user interactions with the system (create, view, search, update, and delete information) take place through the user's Web browser. Users access HTML pages on the Web server; clicking a button or link triggers a PHP script that sends a command to the database (create, read, update, delete) and returns the output as HTML back to the user's browser."

Browse

Yes

Search

Yes: Zend Search Lucene search engine

Advanced Search

Yes

Customizable

Yes, theming/skinning

Built-in Help

Yes

Link to Images and Other Files

Yes

Easy Data Entry

Yes

Other Features

 

 


 

MINISIS M2A

Home Page

http://www.MINISISinc.com/index.php?page=M2A

Developer

MINISIS Inc (Canadian based, with five regional offices)

Developer's Description

"The M2A Application was developed in conjunction with the Archives of Ontario, as there was no existing archival management application that fit their specific needs. ...The core feature of the M2A application is the Archives Descriptive Database (ADD). The ADD has five primary linked databases: accessions, descriptions, lists, name authorities, plus a database that provides linkages between the authorities and descriptive components. In addition, there are multiple interfaces available. For instance, the system can support a senior descriptive officer profile that can review/edit or note required changes of all new records in M2A (before they become permanent records in the system). Whereas another profile exists to allow archivists to edit and update only the records they created. This type of 'profiling' provides even greater flexibility for a client.

 

"The M2A was designed to allow clients to document their collections in two primary classifications: government records at a series-level description; or private records at a collection= level description. The M2A system supports the comprehensive documentation for any archival record with nine principal levels. The software is easy to adapt, can satisfy all requirements for archival and other management needs from accessioning to description to vital statistics."

License

Commercial

Purchasing Cost

Depends on number of users, country GDP, number of applications purchased

 

M2A is sold as a complete system whether all the modules are required or not. Some features can be blocked to reduce costs. Those features can then be engaged as the institution requires or has the resources to do so.

 

MINISIS M2A can be expensive, but M2A Web, which is geared toward smaller archives, provides an inexpensive hosted solution for online creation and publishing of archival information.

 

Maintenance Cost

MINISIS has a technical support and maintenance (TSM) Program that is optional and renewable on a yearly basis. Three levels of support are offered. All include access to technical support and free access to all updates of the software. Each one is different; the higher the level of support, the more services included. For instance, VIP includes on-site support at the client site for 10 days per year along with 1 hour response times guaranteed, whereas basic level support means only access to live telephone resources from Monday to Friday only, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The levels are:

á       15% (BASIC TSM fee)

á       19% (PREMIUM TSM fee)

á       25% (VIP TSM fee).

 

This includes software updates and services for technical support. There are no further ongoing costs, and even the TSM is optional not required.

User Support

  • Help desk and, depending on the level of TSM (see above), ability to define your contact within MINISIS Inc to ensure you have resources familiar with you and your application.
  • Access to documentation/knowledgebase
  • User groups (regional and international)
  • Chat/remote desktop/Net meetings
  • Manuals
  • Site visits

 

Training

Yes

System Requirements

  • Windows NT or later on server
  • XP2 or better on clients
  • IIS

 

MINISIS recommends updates based on Microsoft's indication of support.

Technical Architecture

Stand-alone client-server. or "thin"/Web client architecture is supported, along with ASP/hosted solutions.

Backup/Restore Utility

Use the default backup utilities on your current server.

Maturity

The first release of the ADD, M2A's first incarnation, was developed in 1999. M2A is now into its fourth official release version.

Hosting Available?

Yes

Demo/Sandbox Available?

Yes: You can download an old copy (1 to 2 years old) off the Web site. There is also a link to M2A Online, the ASP version from the same page. Numerous clients have put the MINISIS Web Interface (MWI) on top of their M2A to allow for an OPAC for the public and researches.

Sustainability

MINISIS Inc has over 33 years of technological progression behind with over $45 million invested in it since the early 1970s. It is protected with over $4 million of E&O insurance and has a following of 1,000s of MINISIS users across 63 countries. The first client to use MINISIS for archives was in 1977, and the last client to implement MINISIS was yesterday. The user community growing continuously.

Example Users

Province of Ontario Archives, Province of Manitoba, Saskatchewan Archives Board, the City of Ottawa, City of London (U.K.), State of Alaska, the Historic New Orleans Collection Manuscripts Division, Rhode Island Historical Society, Historic New England, Ford Motor Company, and Center for Creative Photography.

 

See the www.MINISISinc.com Web site for demonstrations.

Unique Features

  • Multihierarchical display and manipulation of branches across levels and record groups
  • Customizable
  • Covers all aspects of Archival Automation including:
    • Accessions
    • Space Audit/Mgt.
    • Appraisals
    • Processing
    • Description
    • Authorities
    • Client Registration
    • Order/Tracking/Request processes
    • Reproduction management/DAMS
    • Conservation/Treatment
    • Enquiries/Repository Mgt.
    • Vital Statistics
    • Media management from image, text, video  and audio and compliance with z39.87
    • Many reports including automatic creation of Finding Aids, linking/display of media files, and EAD and MARC Import and Export.

Support for Importing/Exporting Metadata

Exports MARC

Yes

Exports EAD

Yes: "MINISIS also ensured that the application is EAD compliant for data transfer."

Exports Dublin Core

Yes

Exports MODS

Yes

Exports METS

Yes

Exports MADS

Yes: Many American clients have the XML map.

Batch Exports EAD

Yes

Batch Exports MARC

Yes

Batch Export Tab Delimited Files

Yes.

Imports EAD

Yes

Imports MARC

Yes

Imports Tab Delimited Files/CSV

Yes

Imports Digital Image Files

Yes

Import Accession Data

Yes

Batch Import EAD

Yes

Batch Import MARC

Yes

Batch Import CSV

Yes

Collection Management Features

Appraisals

Yes

Accessions

Yes

Create Deeds of Gift

Yes

Prioritize Processing Order

Yes

Track Donors

Yes

Project Management

MINISIS provides an event handler tool that can be implemented to direct project activities if that is desired.

Record Condition

Yes

Manage Locations

Yes

Manage Restricted Materials

Yes

Manage Rights

Yes

Manage Loans and Exhibits

Yes

Deaccessioning

Yes

Reference Support

Yes: "Connectivity to other modules such as client registration, reproduction ordering and tracking and enquiries management."

Generate Reports

Yes: Two report generators are included in the MINISIS toolkit to allow both technical and nontechnical personnel to build reports.

Track Repository Statistics

Yes

Resource Description

Authority Control

Yes

Controlled vocabulary

Yes: Clients can determine and set any vocabulary for fields, validation tables, and authorities at their will.

Compliance to Archival Standards

Yes: "ISAD(G), RAD, and EAD compliant"

Data Validation

Yes

Templating Default Fields

Yes

Support for Digital Media

Yes: "Images database; Multimedia management, including digital images, maps, photographs videos with supporting text,"

Internationalization

Yes: UTF-8 support; supports translation of user interface; support for Latin-based languages, Chinese, and Arabic

Flexibility of Data Model