More institute using DSpace

Salam, check out for my latest work of DSpace here :
1. INCEIF : http://www.ifinance.inceif.org/
2. UNITEN : http://dspace.uniten.edu.my/

UNITEN is using DSpace with CRIS module developed by CINECA. I believe DSpace CRIS in UNITEN is the first repository of its kind in Malaysia perhaps the first even in south east asia. It has more functionalities like researcher profiles & project page. Refer here for full details : https://wiki.duraspace.org/display/DSPACECRIS/DSpace-CRIS+Home

Adios..

DSpace Training : University of Computer Studies, Yangon (24th Aug 2015 - 26th Aug 2015)

Salam everyone, Last month i went to Myanmar to give training on DSpace. This training held at UCSI Yangon with 30 participants coming from various universities in Myanmar. The training conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abrizah, Assoc. ProF. Dr. Noorhidawati and myself. The participants were very eager and most of them played a good role and gave full support during the training. There's a fb group page for this initiative so that we'll always keep in touch:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/Netacad.mm. Thanks to profs in University of Malaya for giving me the chance to share my little knowledge about DSpace. Really appreciate it. Here are some pics we took.

Digital Library @ PNM : myrepositori.pnm.gov.my

Salam all, In my last writing : DSpace @ National Library of Malaysia : A Digital Initiative by Govt i wrote about initiatives taken by The National Library of Malaysia to make their collection available online. Today, i'm going to reveal the repository name and address. It is called myrepositori and you can view it here http://myrepositori.pnm.gov.my In fact, i found that u-pustaka portal has put a link to myrepositori which u can see in the below snapshot:

I believe that PNM is currently working very hard to make the repository as one of the best they have. Its not easy to digitize, cataloging and make the collection available via online. We are talking about NATIONAL LIBRARY, so you can guest how many items they have. Nevertheless, the PNM has all resources they need to make this possible. I wonder if the same repository(DSpace) can be extend to other state's library. hmmm.. Or each state may have their own repository and can import/export or link to each other repository(this is awesome!!). Anyway, please feel free to browse through the repository and you may find something useful/interesting for yourself.

DSpace 4.0 New Look : Awesome

Salam all, After years working with DSpace software, i have to admit that the new default DSpace 4.0 interface design by cineca is awesome. It's simpler and what is more obvious is the color used by them (blue and green) make the interface is very pleasant for the eyes. Here, take a look at the new DSpace snapshot: 1) DSpace Home

2) Edit Profile

3) Administration Tools

Great work guys :)

Installing DSpace 4.0 on Windows 7 : Common Problems

Salam all, Installing DSpace is quite easy. Installing DSpace on Windows should be easier. However, i'm struggling about 2 days trying to install postgresql database, then i execute command mvn package from a wrong directory and few other thing which i will highlight here may helps the 1st timer to find solutions with similar problems. Problems: a) Installing PosgreSQL database I download postgresql-9.3.3-1-windows-x64 from here. I tried to install but in the end of the installation i got warning like below: Problem running post-install step. Installation may not complete correctly. The database cluster initialisation failed.

-taken from here If you got this warning, you wouldn't be able to connect your local database. You will get error : Server not listening. So here is the solutions : great, working and straight to the point solution b) Installing DSpace There are two thing you need to pay more attention. i) dspace.install.dir Make sure u use forward slash like this : '/' eg: C:/dspace Refer step no.5 page 48 at DSpace Manual. ii) Build the installation package Refer step no.7 page 50 at DSpace Manual. This is wrong, suppose you need to run your command from cd [dspace-source]/ only. Here is the explanation. That's all for now, i hope with this post you will not struggling installing DSpace like me :)

DSpace @ National Library of Malaysia : A Digital Initiative by Govt

Salam everybody, Today i'm gonna write about 1 special project that i have just completed few months back.Its a project by National Library of Malaysia. Its quite a big project(to me) bcoz its involved extra operations such as data migration. They have installed DSpace before(for testing/prove of concept purpose) and have collections inside but then they wanted to make it real(production) so they required the latest version of DSpace, a customized design tailored to PNM (Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia) and of course the data migration.

Below are the process involved during the project and softwares used:-
a) OS Installation (LINUX)
b) Installation & configuration

• DSpace v3.1
• Apache Tomcat 6
• Apache Maven and Apache Ant
• jdk
• PostgreSql

c) Data Migration from old DSpace to the latest version this includes not only data but assets folder.
d) CSS customization, Dynamic page banner and page counter.

I'm struggled for almost 3 weeks while trying to install apache maven due to the unavailable default repository. Anyway, i found other website hosting all maven jar so i download and copy to the server manually before i install on the DSpace server. My special thanks to PNM's Bahagian Digital and IT for their support and trust in this open source project.

PNM currently has not yet announced to the public about the repository, therefore i can not reveal its name and its web address. I will update the post as soon as i know they have opened the repository to the public. Below is the screen shot for the repository. Until the next writing, take care and wish you a very happy new 2014 year :)

Akad Sinergi | Pinjaman Peribadi MBSB

Salam,

Few weeks back i spent my night and weekend working on the website for Akad Sinergi Sdb Bhd. Its my brother's company and they are master agent for MBSB. At 1st i just use static html but then i add few dynamics page(php) with simple db(MySql). But a domain and hosting it locally(Malaysia's hosting provider)

Users are able to register to become a marketing agent for the company and for goverment staff they can apply personal loan(pinjaman peribadi) online. Both transaction will alert the admin thru email and the user will be notified also thru email.

I have a big plan for this website(expand more advance functions) but it would take more time and effort. With 2 small daughters, its quite difficult :) See you on my next post.

Crosstab VS Subreports

Salam,

I have developed reports using open source iReport software over the years. Sometimes, the report's design require developer to use crosstab function. It happens when we need column and row both to be dynamic. Usually we have number of column fixed and row will be dynamic. If you still don't get me, please see the image below :-

The above example show that the column is fixed(Total) and the row(Country) is dynamic(will be populate base on data). For each country, we want to know how many customer exist. Now, let see the 2nd example :-

The above example show that the both country and month is populated base on data.
Now, we can accomplish this via crosstab or subreports. See below for the advantages and of both solutions.

Crosstab :

• Fast way and easy to use if you understand the concept
• Can add sub column and sub row
• Can add total by sub column and sub row

Subreports :

• Easier than crosstab(for beginners)
• Able to generate row eventhough it has no data for that month(perhaps u want to display 0)

Bear in mind that you may need many subreports in order to satisfy the design. I always think that crosstab is the best solution.Anyway, other people might think the other way around.

Adios..

Tagging & Tag Clouds

Salam guys,

Long time no write. Been very bz in this project. Anyway i got a task from a lecturer at UM to include a tagging function in DSpace @ UM. So i started to search for any clue regarding the task. I came to this website https://wiki.duraspace.org/display/DSPACE/Tagging and i have to admits that this website and its author (Christophe Dupriez) helps me a lot. Long story short - i manage to complete the task given in 4 months(part-time). Here is the preview:

From this task, i learn that its not to hard to add new functions in existing DSpace source code. As long as you know java very well and you know the DSpace architecture you can add any functions you want easily. I also been given a task to 'make over' the DSpace @ UM looks. Here is the new looks :

It also has a new name : Theses @ UMalaya

Sounds 'macho' isn't it? Till my next writing (that i don't know when).. Adios..

Admintasia

Admintasia | Admin Design Template with JQuery 4Live Demo of Admintasia v2.1 Backend Admin UI Template »

U have to try this. It's awesome!

And the design are also really easy to use/follow.

10 BEST PRACTICES FOR WEB FORM DESIGN

Hola guys... while doing my task at office, I found this interesting tips for designing web form. This tips are given by Luke Wrobleski .

1. Path To Completion - Use progress indicators to communicate scope, status and position
2. Label Alignment - Use right, left or top alignment consistently
3. Helps & Tips - Help visible & adjacent to a data request is most useful
4. Inline Validation - Provide direct feedback as data is entered
5. Primary & Secondary Actions - Avoid secondary actions if possible and align primary actions with inputs fields for a clear path to completion
6. Actions in Progress - Provide feedback when an actions is in progress
7. Errors - Clearly communicate an error has occurred: top placement, visual contrast
8. Unnecessary Inputs - Look for opportunities to remove unnecessary inputs
9. Form Organization - Take the time to evaluate every question you ask and ensure your forms speak with one voice
10. Gradual Engagement - Try to avoid sign-up forms

Read the details elaborations here .

Change Project..Finally...

Salam everyone,
Finally after 2 years i involving myself on the development,warranty and maintenance of BHEUU system, i finally has been assigned to join the JPJ REVAMP team at Cyberjaya. This is the on of the biggest project for my company for the year 2010/2011. I started to work at cyber on Dec 2010. My first assignment (like usual) is to help my colleague on their report problem. Here, they're using iReport 3.7.5 (current relase v4.0.1). The last version iReport that i used (for Labuan FSA) report is v3.0.0. And of course at first i'm shocked because the iReport interface and 'way to do' is slightly different. Anyway, the new(v3.7.5/v3.7.6) iReport version has its own strenghts and a better function than v3.0.0.

A part from that, i also has been assigned to do an applet application to perform the pre-printed receipt printing (using printer Wincor Nixdorf). The requirement is quite complicated and user expectation is nothing but perfection. This can help you guys through the development http://java.sun.com/developer/onlineTraining/Programming/JDCBook/advprint.html, but in my case, i would rather use Doc and send it direct to default printer as the receipt must be printed using the custom made font for JPJ. Here is the reference :
http://java.sun.com/printing/whitepaper.html

Well at last i finally completed the task and now looking forward for a new task (System Design Document(SDD) as well as learning HP TRIM and IBM BAM(monitoring tools)..)

IDE Integration: DSpace and Netbeans

Salam and hi everyone,

Today i'm gonna write about my experience checking out DSpace source code using netbeans and try to make the it up and running on my local. My primary reference is this : Duraspace. Its the best guide you can find to help you to get DSpace source code and how to make it runs on our local.

Of course i have other references. They are like below:-
a)How to Guide : Tips and tricks for managing common DSpace chores.
b)DSpace manual.

There you go!! You have all the references needed, now what you need is a bit knowledge on java framework / web based project structure. B4 you start you may need this softwares :-

a)Netbeans IDE : I'm using v6.9
b)Apache Tomcat : I'm using v5.5
c)Apache Ant : I'm using v1.8.1
d)Apache Maven : I'm using v2.0.11
e)PostgreSql : I'm using v8.4
f)jdk : I'm using v1.6.0_20

All softwares above are free. Currently DSpace also capable of using Oracle database instead of PostgreSql. Perhaps because of the demands of using an oracle database.

If you follow the steps on the primary reference carefully you may end up successfully.However, you have to make sure that at the end of every steps you have correctly follow the step by doing some test. I several time failed to understand the instructions and caused me a disaster.

Below is my snapshot on the netbeans with DSpace source code.


Don't give up easily, its easier if you understand what are the steps for. You may ask me if you get stuck. Anyway, good luck!! c ya :)

WebService Using JBossWS

Salam guys,

Recently i've been asked by my boss to research on webservices for the current project. The current project is using jboss 4.0.5 GA and my boss gave me this very helpful website :

The Code Project. After struggle for few weeks i finally able to test the webservices. Hopefully i'll be able to do the webservice task for the project (ITS DAMN DIFFICULT!!).

Previous post i wrote a bit about proposing DSpace to my company. With help from my collegue i finished the presentation slide. This time more on business model rather than technical. There are 5 business model types that i can think of from DSpace and of course its all have a good potential especially here in Malaysia and world overall. I was thinking, what if they like my idea? What if not? Hmm.. Well, all i think now is give the best out of me and pray that whatever happen there must be a good reason behind it.


So, wish me luck and hope that everything goes well..

Selamat Hari Raya

Salam everyone,

1st of all i would like to wish to all muslims a very happy hari raya and maaf zahir & batin. Perhaps, somehow my writings had hurt someone's feeling. So, back to work story (even though i'm still in the holiday's mode). Recently, i propose DSpace with 'added element' to my company. I can say that the council like the idea but due to lack on business explaination, they ask me to do a re-presentation after raya. Well, its such an experience (selling idea to all CTOs in the subsidiary company). Its also a good exposure to my knowledge in presentation and public speaking skills.

Its been +- 2 weeks since i helped LOFSA project. I responsible in turning 'complicated' report into 'reality'. We use iReport to develop reports and certainly when it comes to open source software, it has its limitations. Similiarly, goes to iReport, it has many functions such as subreport, group, crosstab and much more. However, not all report's structure is 'can do' with iReport. So when it comes to 'toooo complicated' report, you might need to use database views to help you simplified the query in your report. Anyway, i must give a credit to JasperForge for their great effort in developing such a great BA tools available for industry. If you have any questions on iReport please leave a comment here, i'll try my best to help.
Well, that's all for now. Perhaps on the next post i can write about stored procedure, shell scripting and cronJobs. Till then, take care :)

Digital Library OR Institutional Repository?

Salam guys,

I have been thinking for quite some time, what is digital library and what is institutional repository? How are they differs from each other? So, i come out with a quick research and found this in wikipedia :-
1) "A digital library is a library in which collections are stored in digital formats (as opposed to print, microform, or other media) and accessible by computers. The digital content may be stored locally, or accessed remotely via computer networks. A digital library is a type of information retrieval system." - taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_library

and

2) "An Institutional Repository is an online locus for collecting, preserving, and disseminating -- in digital form -- the intellectual output of an institution, particularly a research institution.

For a university, this would include materials such as research journal articles, before (preprints) and after (postprints) undergoing peer review, and digital versions of theses and dissertations, but it might also include other digital assets generated by normal academic life, such as administrative documents, course notes, or learning objects." - taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institutional_repository

So, from the above definition i can say that the different between DL(DIGITAL LIBRARY) and IR(INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY) is depends on its contents and its purpose. When it comes to the large community we use DL and as for smaller community we use IR. Let me give an example, In Malaysia, we have libraries, so whenever you want to digitize all the books/newspapers/magazines/journals/articles etc and put it online we call it DL. However, universities/colleges/institutional etc may develop an IR for their thesis/paper work/journals/articles etc.

Haven't said that, both DL and IR shares the main development purpose that is to preserve the digital assets and to make it accessible by the targeted user. Thus, you can call it either DL or IR and its still means the same (well, at least to me).

:)

Service Provider @ DSpace

Salam everybody,

In recent post, i wrote about the growth of DSpace and i told about a new page they have that is Service Provider. Well, a few days ago i wrote an email to DSpace and ask them if i am qualified to become the Malaysian Ambassador. They responded and i am very thankful to them as they put my blog inside their page. This will make people all over the world (especially Malaysian) to have 'DSpace Resource' nearer than ever. I will put myself on 'hardworking' mode to study and 'contribute' to DSpace community or at least to DSpace user to be. Here take a look at this page Service Provider and try to find my name there!! :)

DSpace and its growth

Salam everyone,

Sorry for not posting anything since January. It's not that i too busy for blogging, its just that i have nothing interesting to tell you guys. However, recently i received a call from one of the most established and well known university college. They asked for my consultation on DSpace.

So, i started to 'refresh' everything about DSpace. I have 'left' DSpace for almost a year and i know just where to start it all over again. It's the DSpace website. I'm shocked that not only the interface but also the content and functions that DSpace has to offer is changed. DSpace has growth and it's growing fast! They have a bigger community and better support for users.

Here are some of the functions that i find very interesting :-
1) Who's using DSpace
There are 883 institutions world wide using DSpace and only 4 of them are from Malaysia that are University of Malaya (UM), Islamic Science University of Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) and Universiti Tanaga Nasional (Uniten).(and i belive many institutions in Malaysia is thinking and some even has already started building its own digital repository.)

2) DuraSpace
"The DuraSpace organization provides leadership and innovation in open source and cloud-based technologies primarily for libraries, universities, research centers, and cultural heritage organizations. DuraSpace software and services are used worldwide as solutions for institutional repositories, open access publishing, digital libraries, digital archives, digital collections, data curation, virtual research environments, and more."-taken from DuraSpace website

3) Service Providers
The list of companies that provides services on DSpace related work such as design, development, installation/configuration, integration, customization, hosting, training and analysis. I wonder how can i put my company on the list.huhu..

4) Relevant Bloggers
Thoses blogs are relevant to digital libraries, open access and DSpace. I guess my blog is less technical so i'm not relevant at this moment.hhahha..

5) DSpace Ambassador
Well, the word 'Ambassador' has describe enough of what it is all about. This program is the best way to get 'in-touch' with the users. Each ambassador is pointed by DSpace and each region should have at least one ambassador. Malaysia? No ambassador so far (HELLO!!! I'M HERE!!!) :p

So, there you go! DSpace is absolute answer for digital repository initiative. Hopefully DSpace can mange to catch up with the latest technology to keep being 'relevant' to the digital solutions.

see ya :)

DSpace at UNITEN Library

Salam,

1st of all i would like to wish a very happy new year(hope its not too late) to you. Well this 2010 i would like to starts with Uniten's initiatives in developing their own digital repository. Early this month i just found out that Uniten also has a dspace. I have to omit that it looks simple but nice.

They also embed a google search on right side bar which i think is a good idea. However its not a common google search bar, its a google scholar! I have no idea what it is actually. Can someone tell me what is it??? Apart from that the dspace at uniten also consist many collections such as articles, newspaper articles and the most interesting - past year examination paper. Besides, they also have link to Uniten's website and UNITEN Library (which also has links to other universities institutional repository). Maybe for you guys its nothing but a direct simple hyperlink, but not many dspace (here in my blog) did this.

Hopefully, this dspace helps students in doing a research and be the one stop centre for knowledge at Uniten. Here take a visit : http://dspace.uniten.edu.my So, congratulations to the Uniten's dspace team and good luck in enhancing / maintaining the repository. :)

iRepository at Perpustakaan UniMAP

Salam,

Recently i found out that UniMAP also using DSpace for their library digital collection.Here is the url http://dspace.unimap.edu.my/dspace/. I have to say that it looks a bit mess especially the cyan color for body and the white space between the sections. Well, i'm also bad at web design and creativity but i beleive this repository can be more pleasant to the user.

They can also create a manakin interface out of it. Just like DSpace@UM did. Here is the link http://dspace.fsktm.um.edu.my/xmlui/. Anyway this is one of a good effort by UniMAP. They have thounsands of digital documents consist of final year projects, government publications, researches and innovations and more. Due to some technical problems(no photoshop in this pc) i cannot publish the main interface of the DSpace UniMAP. Hope that soon other university and college will have their own digital repository like this and perhaps we can integrate one and the other in future.