Using Open Source Systems for Digital Libraries

(Paperback)

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Designed to ease the process of matching the community with the best content possible, this book provides a starting point for key technologies and the associated tools that make them usable. Introducing the concept of the digital library, Rhyno details the open source tools that are instrumental in developing many of the digital libraries in today's institutions, both from an introductory technical perspective and from the vantage point of the emerging community of users that is erecting the digital library. In a world of global networks and Internet time, digital libraries are becoming increasingly important in offering flexible, high-quality, and up-to-date resources to your patrons. Designed to ease the process of matching the community with the best content possible, this book provides a starting point for key technologies and the associated tools that make them usable. Introducing the concept of the digital library, Rhyno details the open source tools that are instrumental in developing many of the digital libraries in today's institutions, both from an introductory technical perspective and from the vantage point of the emerging community of users that is erecting the digital library. Rhyno gives special emphasis to the natural synergy between libraries and the Open Source movement, both of which are widely available to a community of users on a non-profit, publicly funded basis. The Internet itself is largely built on Open Source software, including the Sendmail mail server and the software that runs the Domain Name System (DNS), which locates network addresses. Standards, the centrality of XML, scripting languages, SQL databases, and network servers are all treated. Detailed information is provided for specific technologies and tools that can be fully utilized for servicing a digital collection. This book is essential in helping you navigate the maze of open source solutions as you develop and implement a digital library in your institution.

Reviews

[D]esigned as a practical guide for readers wishing to build digital libraries through OSS....The author does an admirable job of tackling this technical subject, and he presents it in a logical and progressive way....Recommended.-Booklist/Professional Reading
[R]hyno's book does fill a gap in the literature, and this book is recommended for library technology and digital library collections, or for practicing librarians with an interest in digital libraries and/or open source software.-Online Information Review
A useful index, a glossary of terms, end notes, examples of OSS licensing concepts and an extensive list of further resources provide newcomers with everything they need to know about this topic. Even veteran OSS users and digital library planners will find this title to be a valuable tool for illuminating new opportunities for exploiting open source software and systems.-Technicalities
Using Open Source Systems for Digital Libraries is a practical guide to using open source software (OSS) specifically for the purpose of building digital libraries and is highly recommended for librarians interested in the sustainability and usability of their digital projects. ...This book serves as a building manual for all types of libraries, whether just embarking or more experienced with digital collections, to plan to use OSS as a foundation.-Journal of Access Services
"Designed as a practical guide for readers wishing to build digital libraries through OSS....The author does an admirable job of tackling this technical subject, and he presents it in a logical and progressive way....Recommended."-Booklist/Professional Reading
"Rhyno's book does fill a gap in the literature, and this book is recommended for library technology and digital library collections, or for practicing librarians with an interest in digital libraries and/or open source software."-Online Information Review
"[R]hyno's book does fill a gap in the literature, and this book is recommended for library technology and digital library collections, or for practicing librarians with an interest in digital libraries and/or open source software."-Online Information Review
"[D]esigned as a practical guide for readers wishing to build digital libraries through OSS....The author does an admirable job of tackling this technical subject, and he presents it in a logical and progressive way....Recommended."-Booklist/Professional Reading
"A useful index, a glossary of terms, end notes, examples of OSS licensing concepts and an extensive list of further resources provide newcomers with everything they need to know about this topic. Even veteran OSS users and digital library planners will find this title to be a valuable tool for illuminating new opportunities for exploiting open source software and systems."-Technicalities
"Using Open Source Systems for Digital Libraries is a practical guide to using open source software (OSS) specifically for the purpose of building digital libraries and is highly recommended for librarians interested in the sustainability and usability of their digital projects. ...This book serves as a building manual for all types of libraries, whether just embarking or more experienced with digital collections, to plan to use OSS as a foundation."-Journal of Access Services

Author Bio

ART RHYNO received his graduate degree from the University of Western Ontario and is currently Head of the Systems Department of Leddy Library at the University of Windsor. He is widely published in the library literature and active in the standards work particularly in the pen systems movement.