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Aggregating distributed digital collections in the Mountain West Digital Library with the CONTENTdmTM multi-site server

Article Information:

Title:

Aggregating distributed digital collections in the Mountain West Digital Library with the CONTENTdmTM multi-site server

Author(s):

Kenning Arlitsch, Jeff Jonsson

Journal:

Library Hi Tech

Year:

2005

Volume:

23

Issue:

2

Page:

220 - 232


ISSN:

0737-8831


DOI:

10.1108/07378830510605179

Publisher:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the creation of the Mountain West Digital Library (MWDL), a cooperative regional program distributed throughout Utah and Nevada. Its metadata are aggregated at a single web site. Six digitization centers at the largest universities in both states digitize their own collections and support partner institutions in their geographic regions. Each center runs a CONTENTdm server, and an aggregating server at the University of Utah harvests metadata into a single searchable index. Local control and identity of collections are hallmarks of the MWDL.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the technical structure of the MWDL, focusing on the multi-site server aggregating software from DiMeMa Inc.

Findings – The MWDL was the first cooperative digital project to implement this software, and inspired the same infrastructure for a nine-state project known as the Western Waters Digital Library. In 2005 the MWDL will also become the first in the nation to aggregate distributed digital newspaper collections.

Practical implications – Describes the creation and aggregation of a distributed regional digital library with digital asset management software that is already in use at over 200 institutions in the US. The solutions implemented in the MWDL offer a mechanism for large and small institutions to work together in a cost-effective manner.

Originality/value – Examines the benefits and problems associated with creating a regional digital library.

Keywords:

Digital libraries, Information retrieval, Software, United States of America


Article Type:

Technical paper


Article URL:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/07378830510605179

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