CORDIS Archive

Updated: 15 JUN 99

Theme

Tool boxes for interfacing such as: developing user interfaces, interfaces to electronically published materials; interfacing in a functionally integrated manner different application modules from different suppliers (Theme: 16)

Project description

The project aims to produce a prototype end-user system supporting the delivery and manipulation of full text journal articles delivered from remote stores in SGML format. It:

• developed a prototype client server system;
• evaluated its use and potential for new library services;
• provided management and usage feedback to the supplier of the documents.

With the moves towards electronic publication and distribution of documents, the traditional models of supply, distribution and use are being re-evaluated by publishers and users alike. This project provided a test-bed for new services in libraries.

The project advanced existing experience of working with downloaded documents, allowing access and manipulation of full-text articles while retaining their original form.

Technical approach

The project was organised into three main phases, subdivided into work-packages as follows:

Phase 1

• Analysis of existing delivery systems, including e-mail, Internet, other electronic means, post and courier services;
• Publisher requirements;
• User requirements and related new services;
• Relevant standards and tools;
• General specification.

Phase 2

• Equipment selection/installation;
• Creation of documents in SGML format;
• UNIX data server development;
• Client viewer development;
• User interface development;
• Management information development;
• Editing, local desktop search and retrieve.

Phase 3

• System integration, testing and evaluation.

Key issues

The main technical issues explored were:

• standards and use of appropriate DTDs;
• handling of images & scientific data;
• protocols for communications and delivery from server to printers and workstations;
• client viewer and its specifications;
• local functionality and usage.

Impact and results

The ELSA prototype provided the library community with information on the technology and end-user platform for the integration of complete documents in SGML format into library delivery systems.

It enabled documents delivered long distances over networks to be manipulated locally, edited and stored. Locating the server in the library effectively changes document delivery from print-and-distribute to distribute-and-print, giving the library powerful local facilities for document processing and access.

The prototype end-user interface will be freely available, subject only to any licensing requirements for third-party products. The server and client software will be available under licence.

Deliverables

The prototype demonstrated the ability of the system in meeting its objectives.

Software, specifications, analyses and technical reports are classified as restricted or confidential status. Reports in the public domain cover:

• Standards profile;
• SGML editing environment;
• Final project report.

Documentation is available from the contact below

Coordinator

Other Partners

• associated textual descriptions and retrieval, and relevant