| Repositories 
Repositories are Web sites containing assemblages of materials related to each
other or to a specific body of knowledge. They may also be proprietary collections
belonging to libraries, archives, historical societies, governments, businesses, and other
institutions.
Repositories are usually searchable and organized by theme, date, authorship,
format, or other relevant designator of content. (Databases have
many of the same features and uses as repositories.)
| Examples of Uses |
Assemblages of materials: Hypertext Archive,
The Valley of the
Shadow, both at the University of Virginia. Proprietary collections:
American Memory
Project, Library of Congress; The Digital Scriptorium, Duke University |
|
| Requirements for Using it on a
Computer |
Since many collections contain sophisticated visual and programming
materials, it is advisable to have a high-end computer (Pentium-class PC or Macintosh
PowerPC) and a fast connection to the Internet (T1 or better) with Netscape or Internet
Explorer 4.0+. |
|
| Requirements for Using it to
Create Materials |
Using repositories to create class materials is a popular use of the Web,
as the examples listed below indicate. As long as one has the equipment and software
required to use Web-based repositories, it is possible to adapt them for a wide variety of
pedagogical uses. Creating repositories has become a trend in academic libraries and
departments, but developing an archive of materials is costly and system intensive. Anyone
undertaking an endeavor of this kind must have a clear vision and concept of the project;
funding and collegial backing; extensive server space and possibly a dedicated server;
technical, programming, design, and editorial support; and guaranteed maintenance and
upgrading of servers. |
|
| Examples in Module 1 |
|
This project is a joint initiative of the Center for the Virtual University and the Center for Teaching and Learning
at UMUC.
© 1996-2005 University of Maryland University College
3501 University Blvd. East
Adelphi, Maryland 20783 USA
|
