With high-tech
advancements in technology and WEB 2.0 capabilities, libraries around the world
have become digital institutions to meet the demands of users everywhere. People are more knowledgeable and at ease
with electronic devices and the virtual world of the Internet; and libraries have
expanded their services beyond the brick-and-mortar organizations of yesterday. One of my favorite features of the digital
library is the “chat” feature (aka “Ask a Librarian”), where you can have
virtual conversations with a librarian.
I have used this electronic mechanism often while researching, and
library associates have always been very helpful. Most digital libraries provide this type of
service and much more to assist users in their search for information.
You’re probably
wondering, what exactly is a digital library?
There are different definitions from professional sources within the Library
and Information Science industry, as well as other entities/personnel in
related fields of study. According to
Baeza-Yates, digital libraries are “complex information systems that help
satisfy information needs of users, provide information services, and organize,
present, and communicate information with users in usable ways . . . A DL is
comprised of a collection of digital objects (e.g. digital documents, images,
etc.) and a catalog of metadata records that serve either to describe, to
organize, or to specify how the objects in the collection can be used and by
whom” (Baeza-Yates, pp 712-713). The
encompassing organizational processes of digital libraries set them apart from
other institutions or corporations that maintain electronic data. Other fundamental functions of digital
libraries include the preservation of digital media/information, and the
maintenance and storage of intellectual properties.
The array of
methodologies, concepts, and system programs require extensive structures, processes,
and procedures to keep everything running properly. And the user interface (the screen that the
user interacts with while online) is a vital aspect of the overall
effectiveness of the digital system.
Crucial personnel (e.g. librarians, system analysts, computer
programmers, and technicians) collaborate to create and maintain an enormous,
complex electronic resource system. The
basic architecture (structure of computerized system) of an organization is
essential to its accessibility, ease of maintenance, and usability. Many libraries and institutions are now embracing
open-source infrastructure, and implementing it into their computer systems.
Open-source “originated
in the context of computer software development . . . whose source code is
available for modification or enhancement by anyone” (opensource.com) – think of RedHat and the UNIX
operating system, two of the earliest advocates of open source documentation. “Today, the term ‘open source’ designates a
set of values . . . open source projects, products, or initiatives are those
that embrace and celebrate open exchange, collaborative participation, rapid
prototyping, transparency, meritocracy, and community development” (opensource.com).
Baeza-Yates notes collaborative efforts
by libraries:
§
Digital
libraries work together by implementing the Open Archives Initiative protocol,
wherein metadata is “harvested to central repositories upon which DL services
can be built” (p 720).
§
Data
gathered via Web crawling infrastructure.
§
The
Library of Congress is part of a consortium responsible for “identifying
policies, protocols and strategies for digital preservation” (p 722); all
public libraries can connect to LOC.
§
Many
digital libraries serve as central repositories for printed publications;
subsequent development of the “Open Access Initiative for interoperability”
(p727).
§
Open
source software systems collaborations are inclusive of: DSpace (MIT Libraries
and Hewlett-Packard; Fedora (Univ. of Virginia and Cornell University);
Greenstone is at the forefront of digital library software systems (pp 728-729).
And,
of course there are open source search engines to meet the needs of every
library. Denmark public libraries
utilized open source architecture in response to “an initiative from the
Minister of Culture [which formulated] a strategic perspective for the future
development of public libraries” (Hapel, 2013). When libraries work together for the common
good, much is accomplished.
Chocolate
and reading go so well together!
References
Baeza-Yates, R. (2011). Modern information
retrieval | the concepts and technology behind search; second edition. New
York: Pearson.
Hapel,
R. (2013). Danish digital library powered by TING - about open source and
joined efforts in public libraries. The International Federation of Library
Associations and Institutions Journal publication (IFLA),
http://conference.ifla.org/past-wlic/2012/182-hapel-en.pdf. Retrieved from
http://conference.ifla.org/past-wlic/2012/182-hapel-en.pdf
opensource.com.
(2014, July 9). What is open source? Retrieved from opensource.com |
Discover an open source world:
http://opensource.com/resources/what-open-source