Susan, At the University of Illinios, we have taken a slightly different tack than many other institutions. We have been developing a tool we call 'Archon' which is a web-based management system for descriptive information and associated digitial objects. Information is stored in a MySQL or SQL Server database, and accessed via a PHP 5.0 application. The system outputs valid EAD and MARC records, and also builds a searchable, browseable website. It comes with some defined tools for importing MARC And EAD files, as well as other structured data, such as CSV files. Version 1.11 is the currently available stable release. We will be releasing version 1.5 of this software at or around July 1. Version 1.5 will include multilingual support and several other new features, such as improved import tools and a user registration and request system, so that a user can identify particlar collections, boxes, folders, or items in which he/she is interested, then email the list to the archives or store it in a 'basket'. The program is free to download and use for non-commerical purposes. More information is available at www.archon.org. Chris Prom University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Encoded Archival Description List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] >> On Behalf Of Susan Millard >> Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:53 PM >> To: [log in to unmask] >> Subject: Technology behind finding aids >> >> Hi All, >> I'm working on a project to implement EAD at the State >> Library of Victoria in Australia. I was wondering if anyone >> has a few moments to give me a quick rundown about what >> technology they are using for the storage and presentation >> of your finding aids? >> eg. Do you use a database, if so which one? >> What do you use to index, transform, display? >> Is it all linked to your Library Catalogue software if you >> are a library? >> >> I have found some websites that have this info, but may be >> missing ones also. >> >> I realise this is a fairly complex area, but a few pointers >> would be appreciated! If there is any documentation people >> can send, that would be great too. >> >> Please send to [log in to unmask] >> >> Thanks, >> Susan >> >> >> Susan Millard >> Project Manager >> slv21 EAD Project >> State Library of Victoria, >> 328 Swanston Street, >> MELBOURNE, 3000 >> Ph: ( 61 3) 8664 7055 >> E-mail: [log in to unmask] >> >