Digital Libraries and Repositories

Digital Libraries and Repositories

Archives

In this chapter, Duncan and Ekmekcioglu present a range of responses by digital libraries and repositories to their institutions and users. Most institutions blend features of three models: massive repositories, which provide wide access but limit content due to centralized control and need for speed and efficiency; distributed repositories, which provide resources specifically tailored for their patrons, albeit fewer in number than provided by the massive model; and individualized repositories, which while unconventional and thus, lacking interoperability, may best support targeted research goals. The authors recommend following uniform metadata standards to support interoperability and access to a more diverse set of resources. These standards should include copyright information, a statement and timeframe for conditions of use, and geographical coverage—an increasingly important addition given the worldwide access of the Internet. Indeed, this article, written for a UK audience, refers to international standards currently adopted by U.S. archivists and librarians. The authors also describe barriers against reaching interoperability and effective collaboration between libraries, archives, scholars, information technologists, and users. Unresolved issues contributing to these barriers include poorly defined and restrictive copyright regulations, and author/creator fears of losing income from open access.

Duncan, Charles

Ekmekcioglu, Cuna

Kogan Page

2003

Polk, Victoria

Book

ISBN-13: 978-0749439491

ISBN-10: 0749439491

Duncan, Charles and Cuna Ekmekcioglu. "Digital Libraries and Repositories." In Reusing Online Resources: A Sustainable Approach to eLearning, ed. Allison Littlejohn, 1-11. London: Kogan Page, 2003.