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Managing multiple collections, multiple languages, and multiple media in a distributed digital library
Abstract
Managing the organizational and software complexity of a comprehensive digital library presents a significant challenge. Different library collections each have their own distinctive features. Different presentation languages have structural implications such as left-to-right writing order and text-only interfaces for the visually impaired. Different media involve different file formats, and-more importantly-radically different search strategies are required for non-textual media. In a distributed library, new collections can appear asynchronously on servers in different parts of the world. And as searching interfaces mature from the command-line era exemplified by current Web search engines into the age of reactive visual interfaces, experimental new interfaces must be developed, supported, and tested. This paper describes our experience, gained from operating a substantial digital library service over several years, in solving these problems by designing an appropriate software architecture.
Type
Working Paper
Type of thesis
Series
Computer Science Working Papers
Citation
Witten, I. H., McNab, R., Jones, S., Cunningham, S. J., Bainbridge, D. & Apperley, M. (1998). Managing multiple collections, multiple languages, and multiple media in a distributed digital library. (Working paper 98/9). Hamilton, New Zealand: University of Waikato, Department of Computer Science.
Date
1998-05
Publisher
University of Waikato, Department of Computer Science