Hi all,
I just wanted to try and address a few of the issues that have been raised
and questions that have been asked in this thread if I may.
Firstly, we do agree that the current OASIS form is clunky and in serious
need of an overhaul. It is 7 years old now and 7 years is a long time in the
world of web forms! Here at the ADS we have a long wish list ourselves of
things that we would like to change/improve, in order to make the system
less confusing and easier to use.
To answer some specific issues:
* Re duplication with the EH Geophysics database: This database is currently
being combined with information entered into the OASIS geophysics form and
this new combined database will have its own searchable interface on the ADS
website. New OASIS data will feed into this database as more geophysics
records are signed off within OASIS.
* Re how many grey literature reports end up in the ADS library: For the
year 2011 (so far), 86% of OASIS records signed off for England have a
digital copy of the grey literature attached. This figure has been gradually
increasing since the OASIS form first went live. The majority of these
uploaded reports will make their way into the ADS Grey Literature Library
(http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/greylit/) once a few
conditions are met (for example the OASIS record must be 'Signed off and
Complete' and the contractor needs to have signed a deposit licence with the
ADS to allow us to host and archive their reports).
* Re linking of OASIS records to HER/NMR records: We totally agree that
these things need to be linked up. HER event/monument numbers can be checked
or added to an OASIS record by an HER as part of the editing and validation
process. The NMR ensures that relevant NMR numbers are also added as part of
their validation. If need be, these fields could be made into mandatory
fields within the form. Some contracting units have also requested that we
make the project number that they have assigned mandatory within the form to
ensure they can link their records up too.
* Re the Grey Literature Library interface: On our wish list here at the ADS
is a big upgrade of the grey literature library interface. This was
originally set up with 8 Worcestershire reports in it back in 2005 and has
expanded hugely since then (currently at a rate of c.200 reports per month).
It is now one of our most popular resources and we know there are many
things we can do to make it better. We would very much like to increase the
number of fields from OASIS that are available through the library interface
and agree that including HER/NMR numbers would be a useful addition.
* Re duplicate records in OASIS: At the ADS we delete duplicate (or
superseded) records whenever we are requested to do so. If you notice any
duplicate OASIS records please do just send me a quick e-mail highlighting
the issue and I will sort it out asap.
* Re which projects should be entered into OASIS: Just to clarify, the OASIS
form should be used for *current* projects (but not solely for projects that
have gone through the planning process). We do try to actively discourage
contractors from entering old projects into the form (which they sometimes
want to do as a means of getting their reports into the grey literature
library).
You may also be interested in having a look at the OASIS FAQ page which may
help answer some of the other questions that have been raised:
http://www.oasis.ac.uk/faq.cfm
All the best,
Jen
_________________________________________________
Jenny Mitcham
Digital Archivist
Archaeology Data Service
Room G08
The King's Manor
York
YO1 7EP
UK
phone +44 (0)1904-323967
fax +44(0)1904-323939
http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/
Times Higher Education University of the Year 2010
_________________________________________________
http://www.york.ac.uk/docs/disclaimer/email.htm
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