CORDIS Archive

Telematics for Libraries - Projects

EULER

Updated: 22 NOV 99

Additional information is available from the EULER web site (http://www.emis.de/projects/EULER/)

Action Line

Action Line B: Telematics applications for interconnected library services

Call Topic(s)

Call Topic(s) 4-5 bis: Distributed library services

Project description

EULER aims is to provide strictly user-oriented, integrated, network-based access to mathematical publications. The EULER service intends to offer a "one-stop shopping site" for users of information about mathematics.

Technical approach

The project will develop an open system based on metadata covering many different data sources.

Using common, Dublin Core-based metadata descriptions, interoperable access to various types of relevant resources will be possible, including:

• bibliographic databases,
• the on-line public access catalogues of libraries,
• electronic journals from academic publishers,
• on-line archives of preprints and grey literature,
• indexes of mathematical resources from the Internet.

The EULER Engine, a common user interface, will assist users in searching for relevant topics in different sources in a single effort.

The EULER system will be designed as an open, scaleable and extensible information system.

Key issues

Main issues addressed in the project include:

• Application of standards and non-proprietary technologies such as HTTP, SR/Z39.50, and Dublin Core.
• Interoperability of heterogeneous resources through common resource descriptions of document-like objects.

Impact

The EULER prototype will integrate "for pay" and "not for pay" services for mathematicians seeking specialist information about their field. Typical "for pay" services include document delivery at libraries, commercial information providers, scientific databases like MATH and commercial electronic journals, while "not for pay" services include library OPACs, preprint and other Internet servers and some free electronic academic journals.

Integration of these services will generate added value for the user at minimal extra cost. Compared to the individual services accessed singly, the new integrated information service will be more attractive for mathematicians, as well as for the libraries themselves. Thus, an increase in overall use of the integrated services can be expected. However, the most important result will be the improvement of access to library related information sources for the scientific community.

Deliverables

The main deliverables of the project include the following, not all of which are for public release:

• Functional specification.
• Several different Dublin Core metadata databases for testing purposes
• EULER Engine prototype
• Pilot EULER service
• Evaluation report
• Annual and Final Project reports

Additional information is available from the contact below and from the project web site:
http://www.emis.de/projects/EULER/.

Coordinator

Other Partners

Coordinator