Description: This presentation discusses Africa and the global knowledge footprint. Abstract: In line with issues in international information, panel members aim to discuss the global knowledge footprint from a unique and distinct perspective. Framed here as 'content divide,' the focus is to present an international comparative analysis of knowledge production using scientific/technical research, and patent outputs of individual countries and regions across the world. The approach places emphasis on the connection between gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) and research performance mainly by higher education institutions; innovation activities using patent registration as one key indicator, and the role of national education and research network (NREN) as key enabler to foster research productivity.

Description: This paper discusses expanding the search for digital preservation solutions. Abstract: This paper will present some preliminary results on factors that affect the adoption of PREMIS in cultural heritage institutions. The study employed a web-based survey to collect data from 123 participants in 20 countries as well as a semi-structured, follow-up telephone interview with a smaller sample of the survey respondents. Roger's diffusion of innovation theory was used as a theoretical framework. The main constructs considered for the study were relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, and institutional readiness. The study yielded both qualitative and quantitative data, and preliminary analysis showed that all six factors influence the adoption of PREMIS in varying degrees.

Description: This presentation discusses the issue of digital preservation and how metadata provides a critical part of the solution to the preservation challenges from detecting preservation threats to promoting preventative measures.

Description: This poster discusses the architecture for a centralized portal system. Architectural complexity of the portal system may have a significant impact on the overall efficiency, interoperability, preservation, and provenance issues.

Description: This paper discusses maintaining quality metadata. Quality is a multidimensional concept. The two aspects of digital library data quality are the quality of the data in the objects themselves, and the quality of the metadata associated with the objects. Because poor metadata quality can result in ambiguity, poor recall and inconsistent search results, the existence of robust quality assurance mechanisms is a necessary feature of a well-functioning digital library. Recognizing the strategic benefit of quality metadata as a means of ensuring long term access to its digital resources, the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries employ a number of metadata quality assurance procedures, tools, and associated quality assurance mechanisms. This paper discusses issues related to digital resources management and describes how UNT approaches metadata quality issues at various levels of the digital resources life cycle.