A CERIF-compatible research management system based on the MARC 21 format

Abstract

Purpose: Entering data about published research results should be implemented as a web application that enables authors to input their own data without the knowledge of the bibliographic standard. The aim of this research is to develop a research management system based on a bibliographic standard and to provide data exchange with other research management systems based on the Common European Research Information Format (CERIF) data model. Design/methodology/approach: Object-oriented methodology was used for information system modelling. The modelling was carried out using the computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool that supports the Unified Modelling Language 2.0 (UML 2.0). The implementation was realised using a set of open-source solutions written in Java. Findings: The result is a system for managing data about published research results. The main system features are the following: public access via the web; authors input data about their own publications by themselves; data about publications are stored in the MARC 21 format; and the user interface enables authors to input data without the knowledge of the MARC 21 format. Research limitations/implications: A method of verifying accuracy of entered data has not been considered yet. It is necessary to allow authorised persons to verify the accuracy of the data. After verifying the accuracy the authors cannot change the data. Practical implications: This software system has been verified and tested on data about published results of researchers employed at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia. This system can be used for evaluation and reporting on scientific research results, generating bibliographies of researchers, research groups and institutions etc. Originality/value: A part of the research management system for entering data about authors and published results is implemented. Data about publications are stored in a bibliographic format and authors can input data about their own publications without the knowledge of the bibliographic standard. The main feature of the system architecture is mutual independence of the component for interaction with users and the component for persisting and retrieving data from the bibliographic records database. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.