Digital Libraries

PAGE (1 of 5)

Digital Libraries

Digital Libraries, (often referred to as virtual or electronic libraries), are computerized collections of digital data that are linked together providing easy, transparent access to users. Digital libraries are composed of not only the stored data, but also the document hyper-links, indexes, (meta-data ), search programs and interoperability, (connecting separate digital libraries), methods. Digital libraries augment and amplify existing information storage and retrieval systems. Digital libaries are closely related to traditional libraries, carrying out conventional library activities, and incorporating both print and digital mediums.

Research

There is a tremendous amount of work being undertaken in the field of digital libraries. These pages will attempt to introduce the reader to some of the major areas of current digital library research. The areas discussed in the following pages are listed below. One may click on the next page link above to read the topics in order or proceed directly to a discussion page by clicking on its title below.

1. Interoperability

The work in interoperability focuses upon how diverse digital library collections can be connected together for the best results.

2. Collections

Traditional libraries have specialized strengths based upon specific extensive collections. Digital libraries also exist that are special collections of documents and data in distinctive subject areas.

3. ©opyright

Digital libraries bring the issue of ownership to the forefront due to the ease with which documents can be copied.

4. Results

Digital library research has had many successful results that most of us are blissfully benefiting from albeit unknowingly. Most of the results are of a technical nature that is beyond this course. However, we will discuss a couple of minor results that everyone can employ immediately.  

 

Resources

Libraries

Examples

 

© CS Dept Va Tech, 1998.

All rights reserved.