Unit 12

Using a pre-installed VM presents different challenges than creating one directly around the planned digital collections. The biggest factor for which would be preferred would be the culture of knowledge fostered and the support (or lack thereof) from administration. I believe building one would be preferable in terms of a the robustness of the repository. However, if there is not a shared sense of commitment and understanding between shareholders, particularly those that decide policy and funding, it may prove to be too big a bite to try. In particular, preservation issues must be thoroughly addressed and I can see the logic of using a pre-configured set-up if doubts for long-term funding were present. It is hard to say in some ways because I am learning this in an isolated environment in a way and in the real-world more people and opinions would impact things a great deal. As far as pre-configuration helping to give more time to devote directly to the collection is a valid argument but the counter would be that pre-planning should/could do the same on a self-generated system.