After some study and use of the Greenstone Digital Library software, which included producing and distributing 50+ DVDs with sample "car collection and history" data, the production of a Frazer Nash digital library has started, using both the Greenstone software and the Access database software.

Objectives

I do not claim professional/consultant-level expertise in either the Greenstone or Access software.  Further, I only have adequate knowledge of the postwar Frazer Nash cars and barely superficial knowledge of the prewar Frazer Nash cars.  Finally, my only knowledge of library practices, especially with classification techniques, comes from the recently-acquired, excellent book, "How to Build a Digital Library" (2nd edition). 

However, my objective for this project is to start a framework of a Frazer Nash digital library that others, with more experience of digital libraries, Frazer Nash history and project management can improve over time.  Both a digital library and a car history database must always be dynamic and never truly "complete", but a long journey must start with a first step - hopefully on a correct path!

Database Objective

To date, a simple Access database was created using lists of cars from several sources and, similarly, lists of former and current Frazer Nash owners from many sources.  These are now separate "tables" in the Access program.  Other tables show exhibitions, competition events and literature, all which are (or can be) linked to specific Frazer Nash cars.

The database is built around a table, such as an Excel spreadsheet, of Frazer Nash cars - all information from other tables is linked (relationships) to one or more cars.

Although the list of postwar cars is believed complete, the prewar cars list is not.  More complete (but perhaps not "perfect") data can be obtained from registry lists in the books authored by David Thirlby (two) and Denis Jenkinson.  Although I would prefer to obtain a "complete" list from a Club member or other source, data input from the books produced a workable and possibly complete list (table) of 426 pre- and postwar Frazer Nash cars by January 11, 2012.  Issues for discussion are:

Has anyone else made, and is willing to share, a complete digital list of all Frazer Nash cars?

Should GN cars be included?  If so, is there a good source for this data?

Although a database is wonderful to create and show relationships and to produce screen and printed reports with those relationships, it would be taxed beyond its design to encompass the holdings of the Frazer Nash Archives, the numerous printed and online articles about Frazer Nash cars, audio and video documentation concerning the cars and other digital media not yet created (or imagined).  This task is best suited for a digital library.  The Greenstone open-source (free) software puts this technology within the reach of an individual or Club with a need to organize resources.  A Frazer Nash digital library can be created in a standard, even scholarly, manner.

The Frazer Nash Digital Library to date

After going through a Greenstone tutorial and online workshop, I made a "collection" of about 100 Frazer Nash items: photos, documents, articles and website references.  However, I had some uncertainty when classifying these items.  What distinguishes a "title" from a "description" or a "subject and key words"?  What are the proper terms to use in each?  

The collection classification was easy to complete on a common-sense basis, but would the classifications and terms be clear and useful for any user of the collection?  What if the collection was exchanged or combined with another digital library?  Would my "subject" be the same as another collection's "description"?  When it became evident that this was an issue that librarians may have faced for hundreds (or thousands) of years, it was time to look for "standards".

A recent gift of a book "How to Build a Digital Library" (authored by Greenstone team founders) put me on the right track to basic library practice and the resources of the Library of Congress.  The issues that confused me have been long settled in the print world and for traditional libraries.  

Specifically, one question: "What is the 'proper' heading to use for FN cars?" is answered by the Library of Congress Subject Authority File: 

http://lccn.loc.gov/sh85051635

which seems to mean "Frazer Nash automobile" becomes the "subject" in the Frazer Nash digital library.  For Greenstone, this would be a Dublin-Core entry "dc.Subject and Keywords".  In the Dublin Core metadata standard, "Subject" is defined as "The topic of the resource".  I assume other libraries would not deviate too far from Library of Congress (LOC) definitions.  

Because Greenstone also allows multiple, separate entries for any classifier, I was curious to see what the British Library would use for the "subject" of a book exclusively on the Frazer Nash cars.  The British Library uses the subject classifications of "Frazer Nash automobile" and "Sports cars Great Britain History" for Frazer Nash books by David Thirlby and Leslie Jennings , but not consistently. 

The Library of Congress also has a Name Authority File for personal names.  It includes an authorized version of the name, alternate versions and documentation for the selection of the authorized version.  I looked for "Frazer Nash" and "Frazer-Nash" and only found "Frazer-Nash Consultancy Limited" as a "corporate name".  I made the same search in the British Library and got NO results.  What has happened to Archie?  I think both of these omissions require some follow-up!

I've also found, its apparent simplicity invites creativity rather than adherence to "standards" - this is the primary issue that should be improved or solved before there is much more work on a Frazer Nash digital library.

Each of the Dublin Core elements are separate categories for classification, to be filled with appropriate metadata.  For my car-oriented digital libraries, I've added "car manufacturer", "car make", "car model", "car year" and "car serial no", "car country", "car keyword" and "car location".  Other categories can be added if necessary.

Are the Dublin Core categories and my "car" categories sufficient?  What should be added?

Other than the British Library and the Library of Congress, has any organization (RAC?) established a "controlled vocabulary" for an auto/vehicle classification system?

Are there any Frazer Nash Car Club members or member friends with library skills or experience?

Going Forward

I will continue to use "How to Build a Digital Library" to bring the sample Frazer Nash collection closer to classification "best practices" and add my remaining 1,000+ documents, photographs and references to the collection (over time!)

I have used a (trial/sample/test) Excel list of the Frazer Nash cars for import trials into Greenstone, to form a standard for later entries into this collection.