Kansas City Public Library chooses VITAL for Research Repository

Blacksburg, VA- Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri, has selected VITAL repository software to upgrade and expand the KCResearch digital repository. VITAL will allow the library to implement and connect two open source solutions: Fedora Commons and Drupal. The KCResearch repository will contain a database consisting of a wide variety of research concerning all things Kansas City, a website for KC organizations to create profiles and highlight research and activities in a collaborative community portal where members can find information and interact with community members with similar research needs.

According to Jordan Fields, Digital Projects Manager for Kansas City Public Library “The Kansas City Public Library is looking forward to working with VTLS and VITAL, a solution that is both unique and specific to our needs as we move forward with a number of exciting new digital initiatives.” VITAL is also planned for use in future digital projects.

The VITAL/KCResearch implementation will be accomplished as a three-phase process and will involve: creating a searchable research repository that serves as a “one stop shop” for all research about Kansas City, generating a directory of local organizations where businesses and non-profits can create profiles and upload their own research and establishing a community portal where users can interact with local resources.

“We could not be more excited about adding Kansas City Public Library to our growing list of VITAL customers. Their innovative approach to sharing their community research collection with all is a wonderful use of VITAL!” says Cecilia M. Yourshaw, VP of Operations, VTLS Inc.

Built on Fedora Commons™, VITAL is designed to simplify the development of digital object repositories and to provide seamless online search and retrieval of information. VITAL provides extensive workflow extensions, detailed management utilities, enhanced indexing, advanced searching and specialized content displays.