DRS (Digital Repository Service)

Introduction to the DRS

The Digital Repository Service is Harvard Library’s centrally-supported digital preservation platform as well as the people, policies, and procedures that ensure that the platform provides archival integrity, authenticity, and usability of digital content over time. Service ownership for the DRS is held by Digital Preservation Services (DPS). Product ownership for the DRS system is held by Library Technology Services (LTS).

In July, 2022, Harvard Library embarked on the DRS Futures project, an ITCRB-funded, multi-year effort to modernize “the infrastructure and services that preserve Harvard’s digital scholarly resources and institutional records for future (re)use by faculty, students, administrators, and staff, furthering the University’s research, teaching, and learning mission and safeguarding its legacy.”¹ The DRS Futures team selected a vended solution² for the new platform and has worked with the product vendor to customize the platform and develop in-house integrations for it so that it meets the needs of the DRS and its users.

Now in the final phase of the DRS Futures project, the DRS system exists in a state of transition. The project team is working to roll out the new platform while simultaneously supporting the continued use of the existing (soon-to-be-legacy) system. While day-to-day use of the DRS platform continues, large scale changes to procedure are imminent.

This wiki reflects the DRS’s transitional state. Within these pages you will find two primary subsections:

• DRS Futures project documentation, which includes user guides for the new DRS3 platform, timeline information and transition plans, and other forward-looking materials, and

• Legacy system documentation, which includes user guides for the currently-in-use, soon-to-be-retired system (often referred to as “DRS2”)

It’s a challenging time to be a DRS user. You’re not alone. If you are confused, concerned, or have questions, please reach out to service owner representative Abby Wolf or submit a service request ticket to LTS for technical issues. To connect with other DRS users and receive timely updates on project developments, please join the DRS Community of Practice.

Key Resources

• DRS Futures Project Plan & Timeline

• Training Opportunities

• User Guides

  • How-Tos by Activity

  • Object Structure & Metadata Requirements

  • Libsafe User Guides

• DRS3 Data Dictionary

• DRS2-to-DRS3 Metadata Crosswalk

• Development Roadmap & Known Issues

• FAQ

Footnotes:

1. For more information about the DRS Futures project, see https://sites.harvard.edu/drs-futures/.

2. For more information about the vended product, see https://libnova.com/products/libsafe-advanced/.

On this page

Need Help?

Submit a ticket about system bugs, technical issues, billing and account management requests, etc.

Submit a form to create a new owner account or a new depositor account.

Provide feedback about the Digital Repository Service.

Ask questions or consult with Digital Preservation Services.

Related Resources

Delivery Services Guide