The creation of an institutional repository migration checklist

Abstract

Colorado School of Mines recently migrated from a consortial DSpace repository which was managed by a member library, to a commercial hosted DSpace repository, now called the Mines Repository. The presenters received administrative privileges in the new repository, and this added to the migration learning curve. The new repository host provided documentation and several communication channels concerning the migration. However, the library was not given an easy-to-read and follow checklist of action items as the migration moved forward. After searching the literature, not many articles were found to include a desired migration checklist related to repositories. As the presenters learned more about administering the new repository, they created a basic checklist to keep track of the moving parts of the migration process. For example, they wanted to be sure that digitized items and associated metadata migrated correctly. They also worked to ensure that hyperlinks, search features, specific administrative actions (e.g. editing records, creating collections), and integrations (e.g. SSO, DOIs) were progressing and working as expected. This checklist served as a visual reminder, showing what had been accomplished as well as items and processes that still required attention. The checklist was intended to be a living document; members of the Mines Repository Working Group were encouraged to add items to the list and to participate in testing. It is meant to be platform agnostic, and this could be adapted by other organizations considering a repository migration. We plan to show the major components of the checklist, and to request feedback from conference attendees.