This paper aims to postulates on the current limitations of digital libraries, and what digital libraries might be if librarians and digital library developers thought about…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to postulates on the current limitations of digital libraries, and what digital libraries might be if librarians and digital library developers thought about digital libraries differently.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is in the form of an experiential commentary.
Findings
The paper finds that libraries should be more accepting of change and embrace the digital world.
Originality/value
This paper seeks to move the thinking about the future of digital libraries beyond its current scope. It should be of interest to digital library developers, librarians, and information scientists.
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Discusses our ongoing interest in debating the concept of the digital library, how to “de‐mystify” the concept, and the importance of being involved in the development of the…
Abstract
Discusses our ongoing interest in debating the concept of the digital library, how to “de‐mystify” the concept, and the importance of being involved in the development of the digital library as it evolves.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to detail the experiences of creating a digital library service registry and to explore the need for a complete digital library technical platform.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to detail the experiences of creating a digital library service registry and to explore the need for a complete digital library technical platform.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is an experiential commentary.
Findings
If digital libraries are looked upon not as individual systems, but as collections of services on top of a common platform then progress may be made to move beyond the limitations that current standards uphold.
Originality/value
This paper talks about digital libraries as platforms as opposed to individual services/systems. It should be of interest to digital library developers, librarians, and information scientists.
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Keywords
To examine how a digital library service registry will help enable the development of distributed, service‐based digital libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
To examine how a digital library service registry will help enable the development of distributed, service‐based digital libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A discussion of recent efforts in building service registries, the key components for a digital library service registry, and the need for a reference model for building distributed digital libraries.
Findings
By building a reference model, digital library system development can move forward so that digital libraries become less silos of information and more interoperating collections of distributed services
Originality/value
Provides ideas for digital library developers and implementers, especially those looking for increasing collaboration and interactivity in digital libraries.
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Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to describe the issues with libraries' current approach to utilizing metadata and metadata records from a user perspective, and to suggest future…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the issues with libraries' current approach to utilizing metadata and metadata records from a user perspective, and to suggest future directions in utilizing metadata records in a search context.
Design/methodology/approach
Experiential commentary.
Findings
Metadata records need to be reborn as surrogate tools that can be used to provide better search results.
Originality/value
This paper opinionates on the traditions that libraries bring to providing search and retrieval tools, and how those traditions need to evolve in order for libraries to continue to provide useful search services in the digital context. It should be of interest to digital library developers, librarians, and information scientists.
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To look at how collaborative tools, such as Wikis, can be utilized in a digital library environment.
Abstract
Purpose
To look at how collaborative tools, such as Wikis, can be utilized in a digital library environment.
Design/methodology/approach
A discussion of Wikis and postulation as to how such a tool might be used to facilitate research and collaboration in a digital library setting.
Findings
Three potential applications of a digital library Wiki are discussed – the Wiki as a knowledge base tool, the Wiki as a content management tool, and the Wiki as a tool to empower interactive finding aids.
Originality/value
Provides ideas for digital library developers and implementers, especially those looking for increasing collaboration and interactivity in digital libraries.
Details
Keywords
This paper examines the problem of digital library adoption by traditional libraries, and the efforts of the National Science Digital Library and the OCKHAM Initiative to address…
Abstract
This paper examines the problem of digital library adoption by traditional libraries, and the efforts of the National Science Digital Library and the OCKHAM Initiative to address this problem.
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To report the highlights of the annual Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Top Technology Trends program at 2007 American Library Association Annual Conference…
Abstract
Purpose
To report the highlights of the annual Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Top Technology Trends program at 2007 American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington, DC.
Design/methodology/approach
Provides a brief review of the conference program on technology issues in libraries.
Findings
This summary of LITA section Top Technology Trends program with presentations and information. The presentations focus is on new technologies and their applications in a variety of library environments. The program offered a wide variety of timely presentations that were on new and emerging technologies and the application to the library environment.
Originality/value
Provides descriptions of opinions on technological trends in library and information services from industry professionals.
Details
Keywords
Christopher Cox, Alice L. Daugherty, Julia Gelfand and S.G. Ranti Junus
To highlight content of interest to this journal’s readership that promotes current thinking and activities in information technology.
Abstract
Purpose
To highlight content of interest to this journal’s readership that promotes current thinking and activities in information technology.
Design/methodology/approach
A selective conference report of the annual meeting of the American Library Association and a pre‐conference.
Findings
The largest conference of librarians, the variety of programs, activities, exhibit halls, creates one of the best professional development opportunities for librarians. Attracting librarians from all sectors and work environments from around the globe, this conference is hard to describe in a brief way except to say it is an experience. Documenting relevant programs about information technology was the goal of this contribution.
Practical implications
An alternative to not being present while gaining some information and coverage.
Originality/value
Contains information of particular interest to readers who did not attend these sessions. Introducers them to presenters and important hot topics.