No abstract

The last decade a great number of digital library and digital repository systems have been developed and published as open-source software. The variety of available software systems is a factor of confusion when an organization is planning to build a repository infrastructure to host its collections. To simplify the decision process five widely used open-source repository software systems are compared, namely DSpace, Fedora, Greenstone, EPrints and Invenio. In addition to the comparison of these software systems and their characteristics' description, we propose the most suitable systems for different cases of digital collections. Using five collection paradigms that represent case studies of different content and functionality, an organization can be directed to select a repository software matching its criteria.

Abstract. This paper elaborates on the design and development of an effective digital object manipulation mechanism that facilitates the generation of configurable Digital Library application logic, as expressed by collection manager, cataloguing and browsing modules. Our work aims to resolve the issue that digital objects typing information can be currently utilized only by humans as a guide and not by programs as a digital object type conformance mechanism. Drawing on the notions of the Object Oriented Model, we propose a "type checking" mechanism that automates the conformance of digital objects to their type definitions, named digital object prototypes. We pinpoint the practical benefits gained by our approach in the development of the University of Athens Digital Library, in terms of code reuse and configuration capabilities.

Abstract. Digital Object Prototypes (DOPs) provide the DL designer with the ability to model diverse types of digital objects in a uniform manner while offering digital object type conformance; objects conform to the designer's type definitions automatically. In this paper, we outline how DOPs effectively capture and express digital object typing information and finally assist in the development of unified web-based DL services such as adaptive cataloguing, batch digital object ingestion and automatic digital content conversions. In contrast, conventional DL services require custom implementations for each different type of material.

In the last years, a great number of digital library and digital repository systems have been developed by individual organizations, mostly universities, and given to the public as open-source software. The advantage of having many choices becomes a great headache when selecting a digital library (DL) system for a specific organization. To make the decision easier, five well-known and extensively used systems that are publicly available using an open source license are compared, namely DSpace, Fedora, Greenstone, Keystone, and EPrints. Each of them have been thoroughly studied based on basic characteristics and system features emphasizing multiple and heterogeneous digital collection support. Results are summarized in a score table. Cases for which each of these systems is considered as the most suitable are proposed.

Abstract. This demonstration provides a "hands on" experience to the "internals" of Pergamos, the University of Athens DL System. Pergamos provides uniform high level DL services, such as collection management, web based cataloguing, browsing, batch ingestion and automatic content conversions that adapt to the underlying digital object type-specific specialities through the use of Digital Object Prototypes (DOPs). The demonstration points out the ability of DOPs to effectively model the heterogeneous and complex material of Pergamos. Special focus is given on the inexpensiveness of adding new collections and digital object types, highlighting how DOPs eliminate the need for custom implementation.