Smart Client approaches to digital archiving of e‐journals
| Published date | 02 October 2009 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470910998551 |
| Pages | 837-845 |
| Date | 02 October 2009 |
| Author | Edmund Balnaves,Mark Chehade |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Smart Client approaches to digital
archiving of e-journals
Edmund Balnaves and Mark Chehade
Prosentient Systems, Sydney, Australia
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research project undertaken by
Prosentient Systems and partially funded by the ALIA 2007 research study grant. The focus of the
project was a proof-of-concept implementation of a Smart Client application for digital archiving of
e-journal subscriptions held by special libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – This research comprised a survey of libraries in the area of
electronic journal archiving and software development research. The quantitative survey was
distributed to 254 member libraries of the GratisNet and GLASS special library networks in Australia.
Seven questions explored current practice in e-journal archiving. In total, 164 responses were received,
of which only seven indicated current progress toward e-journal archiving. Based on the survey
results, the second phase of the project comprised software development research.
Findings – The research outcomes indicate that a cross-platform “Smart Client” approach to
e-journal archiving is achievable and the presentation will review architectural design techniques that
support cross-platform deployment and simple installation using open source smart client tools.
Practical implications – The transition to e-journal subscriptions has not been matched with
attention to methods for local archiving of e-journal subscriptions. This research demonstrates the
feasibility of simple solutions suitable for special libraries to implement local e-journal archives.
Originality/value – This research presents an innovative approach to e-journal archiving for special
libraries. The approach differs from current, peer-to-peer approach by implementing a central
metadata server and a simple easy to deploy desktop archiving agent. Furthermore, limitations
imposed by copyright restrictions are the principal impediment that libraries face in implementing
e-journal archives, and the centralised metadata approach can help libraries distinguish journals for
which local archiving is allowed.
Keywords Electronic journals,Archiving, Software engineering,Information research
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
In 2007, a research project was undertaken by Prosentient Systems, partially funded by
the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) 2007 research study grant.
This paper presents the design principles and proof-of-concept results for a Smart
Client application for digital archiving of e-journal subscriptions for special libraries. A
“Smart Client” application optimises resources locally and through web services
connectivity, and can operate in both an offline and online manner. The particular
objective of the project is the implementation of software for e-journal archiving
application that is cross-platform, light-weight (e.g. can easily be installed on most
desktop systems) and uses a balance of local and networked resources. Such an
approach has application both to special libraries and to libraries in developing
countries where internet connection may be unreliable.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Digital archiving
of e-journals
837
Received 12 November 2008
Revised 26 January 2009
Accepted 31 January 2009
The Electronic Library
Vol. 27 No. 5, 2009
pp. 837-845
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470910998551
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