Repository

The aim of the Stòr Cùram project is to create an easy to use web-based library, or digital repository, of learning objects for Scottish social work education. But what is a digital repository and why might it be useful for social work education?

What is a digital repository?

A digital repository is a kind of library. One of the most helpful features of any library is that – unlike the World Wide Web - the contents are organised using a familiar classification system enabling users to find the material they are looking for by physically browsing the shelves. A library also has a catalogue that may be searched by author, subject, or other characteristics. A digital repository is a properly organised and searchable web-based library of digital material. Stòr Cùram is a learning object repository, or a digital repository of learning resources for social care.

How do I use it?

Any Scottish social work educator may register to use Stòr Cùram. As a registered user you’ll be able to access the repository from any computer with Web access by entering your personal username and password. Once inside you’ll be able to search for materials by specific categories such as topic or file format, or browse the content using our unique Stòr Cùram social work classification system, or taxonomy.

An educational resource centre

The repository is not intended to be used as a platform for student learning but as a resource centre for educators. The material you find there might include a text based learning activity suitable for printing and distribution to a group of students; or it might be multimedia material you decide to present using a digital projector in the classroom; or you might want to distribute the resources to students on a CD-ROM, or via your campus virtual learning environment. You can also deposit your own learning materials there to share with other social work educators.

Browsing Stòr Cùram

The Stòr Cùram taxonomy, like any good library classification system, will offer a conceptual map of the social work curriculum. Since it is being developed in consultation with Scottish social work educators, you can expect it to have a close fit with the way you think about the curriculum. If it seems more appropriate to your purposes, you’ll also be able to browse the repository using the key headings of the SiSWE standards. In other words, you’ll find several different ways to connect you with the learning resources you need to meet the learning needs and objectives of your students.

Metadata: the repository’s catalogue

The catalogue of a digital repository is created using metadata (or data about data). Each object will be catalogued with information such as its topic, format, size, and the educational levels at which it can be used. This metadata will also include important information about copyright and any restrictions on the use of the learning object. As a user it will be your responsibility to ensure that you read and comply with this copyright information. We’re anticipating that most of the material in the repository will be free from very restrictive conditions of use but since some of the materials will involve the rights of third parties, conditions of use may vary.