NITLE > Events > Streaming Multimedia For Digital Libraries And Institutional Repositories Such As D Space

Streaming Multimedia for Digital Libraries and Institutional Repositories such as DSpace: An Introduction

Date: November 7, 2008, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM. EDT.
Location: Delivered online in NITLE MIV Auditorium
Price: 1 program unit per participant

Who should participate

For system administrators, digital and analog librarians, archivists, and others from participating institutions who need a way to manage large multimedia files that 1) keeps end users happy (no download time) and satisfies demands for easy, efficient access, 2) lets administrators control what is seen/displayed, 3) lets administrators maintain branding even when links are established (i.e., lets them protect the source), and 4) is optimized to allow for broad distribution worldwide. (This event was previously titled the "DSpace Virtual User Community Meeting.")

Interested participants responding to the DSpace/NITLE collaboration offer: Please contact Christina Richison at christina.richison@nitle.org to participate. When contacting Christina, please refer to the NITLE/DSpace Foundation collaboration.

Program Description

As institutional repositories and digital libraries continue to grow, gain momentum, and acquire content, interest in including audio and video content in these collections is also growing. Yet managing large audio and video files can be challenging, particularly for users wishing to view or access these digital resources. Such files demand more storage and can introduce long wait periods during which files are downloaded to users' computers. Streaming servers can help campuses provide users with much more efficient access to these files, addressing the challenge of managing and using these resources.

This session will present the benefits of using streaming servers, examine case studies, and provide an overview of the technologies and processes involved in handling large multimedia files via streaming servers. This session will cover topics such as

• Reasons for streaming multimedia
• Streaming methods and how they work
• Requirements to use streaming media
• Types of content to stream
• Points to ponder when setting up streaming multimedia
• Staffing considerations
• Ways to use streaming media
• Examples

Participants in this interactive, real-time program will learn about and discuss these topics as they relate to digital libraries and institutional repositories such as DSpace. Eric Smith, Assistant Director of Information Security and Networking at Bucknell University, will be the featured presenter.

Related Services

Those interested in participating in this program may also be interested in finding out more about how to subscribe to the following NITLE Information Services:

DSpace Services.

Getting familiar with the online environment

Directions on installing the MIV client (PC and Mac OS) to your computer is available here (.pdf, 725 KB).

We recommend that participants who are new to multipoint interactive videoconferencing (MIV) use our free Do-It-Yourself training module (.pdf, 841 KB) to complete basic training in the use of MIV prior to participating in this program. This DIY training includes an informal, hands-on, "Water Cooler" session in MIV (see .pdf training document for full information). This training will help new users of MIV feel comfortable within the virtual MIV environment, learn how to use its interactive tools, and otherwise learn how to participate and contribute successfully within MIV.

Please plan to arrive in the MIV room 15 minutes before the discussion starts to ensure that MIV is working well for you.

Technological Requirements

To have a successful participation experience, participants will want to use

• a computer manufactured in or after 2005;
• a web video camera; and
• an echo-free audio system. (For hands-free use and quality sound, we recommend a USB head set.)

Participants will also want to connect via a high-speed Internet connection. (Test your bandwidth speed at http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_7-0.html: enter your telephone area code and your connection type, then click G0. Your bandwidth speed should be 500 kbps or greater.)

Other information

Please note that MIV is most effective with a 1:1 ratio between participant and MIV seat. (Each MIV "seat" is equivalent to one laptop or desktop computer.)  Participants are therefore encouraged to join the program as individuals using their own computers.

Questions?

For more information about this event, including its agenda and what to expect from participation, please contact Christina Richison at .