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ISC 404 - LECTURE 6(1)

The document discusses important protocols for digital library development, emphasizing the need for systems to communicate effectively for content delivery. Key protocols include HTTP for web interactions, OAI/PMH for metadata harvesting, and Z.39.50 for search retrieval. It also outlines factors to consider when choosing digital library software, such as usability, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to international standards.

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4 views4 pages

ISC 404 - LECTURE 6(1)

The document discusses important protocols for digital library development, emphasizing the need for systems to communicate effectively for content delivery. Key protocols include HTTP for web interactions, OAI/PMH for metadata harvesting, and Z.39.50 for search retrieval. It also outlines factors to consider when choosing digital library software, such as usability, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to international standards.

Uploaded by

roberotich64
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ISC 404: DIGITAL LIBRARIES

DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE


KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

LECTURE 6: IMPORTANT PROTOCOLS FOR DIGITAL LIBRARY


DEVELOPMENT

Protocols for Digital Libraries

Digital libraries should essentially communicate with many different external systems for
purposes of delivering web based interfaces and exposing content to third party. To ensure that
happens protocols must be established. A protocol is a set of ground rules for how systems
carry out specific activities. Protocols define which format and syntax systems use for
exchanging information and what one system must indicate to another before any data is made
available. Protocols form a large part of what happens on a network.

A good example of a protocol is the rule followed in sending a letter:

The first line contains the name of the person or organization that the letter is being sent to.

The next two lines- contain the address, postal code, street name, building name

The last line contains the country name.

If all the details are in place, that protocol enables delivery of mails.

Many protocols underlie digital library functionality and some of them include:

1. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (Http)


This is a protocol that is used by most web users when using a web browser. Digital
libraries are associated with the web. Http is used to exchange files (text graphic video,
multimedia, sound image) on the World Wide Web (www). A web server machine provides
for an http program in the background whose duty is to wait for the http requests on a
network.

ISC 404: DIGITAL LIBRARIES


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Notes derived from a module by Dr. C. Mutwiri. Do not re-circulate Page 1
2. Open Source Software (OSS)/ Apache
OSS stands for Open Source Software. It is a platform for individuals to build reliable
systems. It provides a back bone for an organization or company web present i.e. to be seen
on the web. An alternative to this is OAL server, the function is the same.

3. Open Source Software (OSS)/ / OAL Server


Function as apache difference is that it performs well on weak hardware especially when the
site is busy, Apache is too complex for organization to manage. It is good for any
organization which wants to be available from the web.

4. Open Archives Initiative , Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI/PMH)


It ensures access to other repository. It is the http for digital libraries. It helps users of a
digital libraries system to search across multiple repositories. Repositories require greater
capabilities to automatically identify copy papers which are deposited in other repository
and therefore need for this OAI/PMH.

5. Open Source Software (OSS) Systems


The following complete systems can be used to develop a digital library (repository) as well
as provide for storage and management functions. These include:
 D- Space. This is a digital asset management software/platform that enable institution easily
archive digital objects.
 E- Print. It is software that is used in running centralized discipline based, as well as
distributed institutional based archives for scholarly applications.
 Green Stone- This is a popular and well known digital library system. It is comprehensive
and supports multiple collections e.g. text, audio, video. It uses its own markup language
known as green stone markup language. It has great keywords support and includes strong
facilities for browsing. It can be deployed on major platforms and has facilities for end user
collection building.
 Fedora – This is an Acronym for the Flexible Extensible Digital Object and Repository

ISC 404: DIGITAL LIBRARIES


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Notes derived from a module by Dr. C. Mutwiri. Do not re-circulate Page 2
Architecture. It has adapted METS (Metadata standards) to manage objects. It exposes
the content through a persistent Identification (1D) so that they can be referenced in
Uniform resource identifiers (URIs)

Factors to Consider in Choosing Digital Library Software

In selecting digital library software, one should consider factors that enable the digital library
software fulfill some basic functions. To that end, the system should be:
a. Easy to use/use friendly in data input retrieval
b. Current – that is use up to date or the newest technology.
c. Cost effective that is, reasonable cost, affordable to most people
d. Expandable-it should accommodate with options of enhancement and up gradation.
e. Multimedia – should enable a library to store all types f data including text graphics,
picture in one system.
f. Supported – The system should have opportunity to obtain training from a vendor.
g. Adhere to international standards
h. Able to communicate with others regardless of geographical limitation locations through
networking

6. Z.39.50 Protocol
This is a protocol that allows a client (origin machine) to search a server (target machine). Its
functions include search retrieval. This is a very important protocol for digital libraries which is
more precise and complex than http and OAI.

7. RSS (Rich Site Summary/ Syndication)


This is a method of delivering content to the site which is useful for distributing information
concerning a digital collection of news from an organization. It is used in libraries to
disseminate updates for special literature queries.

References

ISC 404: DIGITAL LIBRARIES


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Notes derived from a module by Dr. C. Mutwiri. Do not re-circulate Page 3
1. Rhyno, Art (2004). Using open source systems for digital libraries. Westport: Libraries
Unlimited
2. Manister, L. (1995). Document management, digital libraries and the web. Available:
http://www.cernet.edu.cn/HMP/PAPER/243/html/paper.htm
3. Lynch, C.A (1997). The Z 39.50 information retrieval standard. DLib magazine vol.3 (6)

ISC 404: DIGITAL LIBRARIES


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Notes derived from a module by Dr. C. Mutwiri. Do not re-circulate Page 4

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