CORDIS Archive

Telematics for Libraries - Project

EDILIBE I

Project description

EDILIBE I was the first part of the project that aimed to set up a demonstrator for EDIFACT-based communication between libraries and booksellers for acquisition.

This first part was concerned with the definition of the standard EDIFACT messages to support this activity and produce specifications for the software to be developed in a subsequent project.

Technical approach

Based on earlier work in Germany, EDIFACT requirement of libraries and booksellers in Europe were defined as well as the necessary message types. State and preconditions of X.400 services in Italy, the Netherlands and Great Britain were analysed. In the light of the existing systems, as overall design for hardware/software solutions has elaborated.

Key issues

The project encompassed all major aspects of acquisition communication, i.e. quotations, orders, reports and invoices for books and other media.

Impact and results

The results have directly contributed to the application of the generally defined Electronic Data Interchange Format for Commerce, Administration and Transport (EDIFACT) to the library context in particular.

Using both X.400 standardised electronic mail and PC front-ends as minimum equipment guarantees availability and access for almost all scientific research libraries and suppliers, irrespective of their size and budget.

Improved EDIFACT and X.400 acceptability by European libraries and medium-sized suppliers can enhance competition by adding open acquisition systems to international proprietary ones. Thus both suppliers’ and libraries’ capability of providing the best service for their readers was considerably increased.

Coordinator

Other Partners

• EDIL user guide.