ANNOUNCEMENT: The OCKHAM Initiative releases version 0.5.3 of the Harvest-to-Query (H2Q) Software. 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. 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 <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 <http://www.ockham.org/> =================================== Jeremy Frumkin The Gray Family Chair for Innovative Library Services 121 The Valley Library, Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97330-4501 [log in to unmask] 541.737.9928 541.737.3453 (Fax) 541.230.4483 (Cell) =================================== " Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. " - Emerson