A RDF‐based digital library system
| Published date | 01 April 2006 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830610669600 |
| Date | 01 April 2006 |
| Pages | 234-240 |
| Author | Yan Han |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS,
PART 2
A RDF-based digital library system
Yan Han
The University of Arizona Libraries, Tucson, Arizona, USA
Abstract
Purpose – To research a resource description framework (RDF) based digital library system that
facilitates digital resource management and supports knowledge management for an interoperable
information environment.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper first introduces some of issues with metadata
management and knowledge management and describes the needs for a true interoperable
environment for information transferring across domains. A journal delivery application has been
implementedas a concept-proof project to demonstratethe usefulness of RDF in digitallibrary systems.
Findings – The RDF-based digital library system at the University of Arizona Libraries provides an
easy way for digital resource management by integrating other applications regardless of metadata
formats and web presence.
Practical implications – A journal delivery application has been running in the RDF-based digital
library system since April 2005. An electronic theses and dissertation application will be handled by
the same system.
Originality/value – The paper suggests to use RDF, the semantic web technology, as a new
approach to facilitate knowledge management and metadata management. Using RDF technology
brings new ways to manage and discover information for libraries.
Keywords Digital libraries,Knowledge management, Contentmanagement,
Resource description framework
Paper type Research paper
The need for a true interoperable information environment
Libraries, cultural heritage institutions and learning organizations manage and provide
access to vast stores of information. This information is in multiple file formats and has
typically been described for a specialized community’s needs. Acquiredfor many years,
this structured information would be of enormous value especially if it could be easily
discovered and its meaning would be known across domains. It was noted that libraries
have not exploited traditional or emergingtools for knowledge organization to their full
potential. The report also states that research is specifically needed in how tools of
knowledge representation can be used to improve users’ experience in searching,
navigating and comprehending digitalcollections (Caplan et al., 2003). Interoperability is
essential in this environment. As interoperability moves to the foreground of research
topics, the report also notes that “the digital library community lacks a
commonly-accepted architectural model” and “interoperability relies on standards, but
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
This paper is based on a proof-of-concept project at the University of Arizona Libraries. I would
like to thank my colleagues’ work and inputs for the project. Krisellen Maloney and Travis
Bowen are very active in the project.
LHT
24,2
234
Received September 2005
Revised November 2005
Accepted November 2005
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 24 No. 2, 2006
pp. 234-240
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830610669600
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