Innovative repository service gives new meaning to information management
As part of the SCHOLNET project, the OpenDLib saw the establishment of several services that enhance the performance and value of digital libraries. Since digital information can be disseminated in multiple formats and in different contexts, the need to establish a single source capable of dealing with them all proved imperative. With this in mind, the Repository service of OpenDLib established a service that combined both traditional library services with digital library functions. In addition, the Repository can support cross-platform formats such as the MARC used by library professionals as well as the RFC-1807 format used by the general public. These metadata formats therefore need to conform to the Digital Library's Document Model (DoMDL) structures and as such, represent the first, flexible mechanism to support the expanding demands and needs of the Digital Library. While the Repository Service is indeed a powerful tool, having various features such as the derived metadata and variable manifestation types, it also comprises other features such as the Collection, Search and Personalised Services. These services provide vital links to data-usability in that all digital information needs to be collectable, searchable and customisable to specific criteria in order to make it both usable and valuable. However, the SCHOLNET project opted for more than just standard features to their services. Part of their dynamic difference is in the way their services are structured. For example, the Collection Service acts more than just as a portal solution for their digital communities. One problem with portal structures is that a new portal is needed every time the community reinvents or changes its requirements. The Collection Service however, allows for the dynamic self-structuring of content or portal-conditions thus allowing for a far more flexible service. Changing criteria therefore does not require changing portals. Combined with the Search Service; the Query Mediator, the Index, and the Browse Service act as enhanced tools that deliver unmatched intelligent search engine facilities. In particular the Query Mediator feature can overcome network, server and protocol failures, thus making information available even when these features are not operational. As such, the simple dynamism of the SCHOLNET project offers excellent information brokerage and should serve to assist not only those who require specialised information services, but all information repositories of the future.
