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Three news items from the DLF-sponsored (and NSF-funded) Ockham Project. For more information please see http://www.ockham.org/ (or see "About the OCKHAM Initiative" at the end of this message for more information). ********************************************** 1) NEWS: The Ockham group has found excellent opportunities for synergy with two UK initiatives: the Information Environment Service Registry <http://iesr.ac.uk/> and The Archives Hub <http://archiveshub.ac.uk/>. Both initiatives funded by DLF's newest ally, JISC. Indeed, Ockham has been able to import IESR's metadata scheme into the Ockham registry, making good re-use of work done in this similar British effort, and avoiding redundant work. A face-to-face set of meetings this month, graciously hosted in Liverpool and Manchester, allowed the various Ockham, Archives Hub, and IESR development teams to meet and to explore further opportunities to benefit from and contribute to each others' work. ********************************************** 2) ANNOUNCEMENT: The OCKHAM Initiative releases version 0.5.3 of the Harvest-to-Query (H2Q) Software (provides standard querying capabilities for OAI-PMH available metadata collections) The OCKHAM initiative today released version 0.5.3 of its Harvest-to-Query (H2Q) software. This is the first widely-publicized release of H2Q. H2Q is an end-to-end solution for providing standard querying capabilities (such as Z39.50) for OAI-PMH available metadata collections. Currently, H2Q has the following major features: * It is as easy to install as your stereo system (with all of its components) * It is able to harvest metadata from any OAI-PMH available collection which provides its records in Dublin Core * Provides Z39.50 querying to harvested collections Once H2Q achieves its 1.0 status, it will have the following major features: * It will be as easy to install as your toaster * It will be able to harvest metadata from any OAI-PMH available collection * It will provide Z39.50 and SRU/W querying to harvested collections * It will allow harvesting and indexing of any XML-based metadata scheme The OCKHAM H2Q software can be downloaded from http://www.ockham.org/services.php . ********************************************************* 3) JOB: Short-term Perl programmer The University Libraries of Notre Dame Libraries is seeking an expert Perl programmer to work on a short-term project for a professional salary. Description: The Libraries is involved in a national research and development activity. One of the activity's goals is to enhance an information retrieval system with a Find More Like This One feature. This feature will: 1. Allow users to identify a desirable record from a list of search results 2. Select characteristics from the record the user deems significant 3. Return those characteristics back to the system 4. The system will then use things like locally created dictionaries, WordNet, and/or other semantic tools to return additional searches to be applied against other internal or external indexes Requirements: The successful candidate must have exceptional skills in reading and writing object oriented Perl programs in a Unix/Linux environment. The position requires the candidate to be able document their code with comments as well as in the form of PODs. The position requires the candidate to be able to work in a collaborative environment. Thus, the candidate must possess well-developed communication skills. Highly desirable: Applicants who demonstrate an understanding of relational database techniques, XML and Web Services, academia, as well as the principles of open source software will be given preference. Work environment: The University Libraries is located in Notre Dame, IN (just outside South Bend) about ninety miles east of Chicago. Because of the location, telecommuting is possible, but regular weekly site visits are necessary. Start date: Immediately End date: No later than August 31, 2005 Salary: Starting at $24/hour and negotiable depending on qualifications, experience, and flexibility Application: Send cover letters, resumes, and questions to Eric Lease Morgan ([log in to unmask]). All inquires will be acknowledged. ********************************************************* ********************************************************* About the OCKHAM Initiative The OCKHAM Initiative seeks to promote the development of digital libraries via collaboration between librarians and digital library researchers. By promoting simple, open approaches and standards for digital library tools, services, and content, the gap between digital library development and the adoption of digital library systems by the traditional library community will hopefully be bridged. The initiative is sponsored by the Digital Library Federation (http://www.diglib.org). Additionally, four participating institutions (Emory University, Oregon State University, the University of Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech) are involved in a National Science Foundation funded grant through the NSF's National Science Digital Library program. This grant seeks to build a suite of digital library services and tools which will benefit both the NSDL and traditional library communities. More information on the OCKHAM Initiative, and the NSF-funded grant, can be found at http://www.ockham.org David