Internet Digital Libraries: The International Dimension

by Jack Kessler

Overview

As the popularity of the Internet and the W3 continue to grow, so does the demand for easy access to information from anywhere around the globe. This first-of-its-kind book explores the fast-changing world of international digital libraries — their current status as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their continuing development.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780890068755
Publisher:	Artech House, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/28/1996
Pages:	265
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Jack Kessler is president of A.K. Co., Inc., an Internet training and consulting firm in San Francisco. He earned his master's degree in information studies from the University of California, Berkeley.

Table of Contents

Part I — Setting the Stage: The Internet Goes Public — A New Story, Digital Information. Digitization in Libraries — An Old Story, Information and Libraries. Incunabula — The Development of Digital Libraries in the US. Part II — Specifics — National: France — Flexible Centralization. Singapore — Rigid Centralization. China — Chinese Uniqueness. India — An Awakening Giant. Australia — The Antipodes and the Sheer Reach of Digital Information. Thailand — The Blending of Worlds, Third and Other. The UK — Crowded Pipes. Hungary — Phenomenon of the Stranger. Japan — Investing vs. Consuming. Indonesia — The Rest of Asia and the World. National Government — the NSF Digital Libraries Projects, in the US. Part III — Specifics — International: Language. Politics and Political Structures. Technical Standards. Business. International Organizations. Part IV — Generalities — International: Media and Messages — Is the Pipe Neutral? Libraries and Information — Warehouses and Services? Human Users — Fitting Something New In — Wine and Bottles, Chickens and Eggs. Appendices. Glossary. Bibliography and Resource List. Index.

Editorial Reviews

A nontechnical survey of international digital libraries offering a review of different projects being created in the US, Europe, Asia, India, Australia, and Indonesia. Kessler (president, A.K. Co., Inc.) outlines the language, politics, and business practices affecting international digital library development and access, and the current status of each different project. In addition, he compares the initiatives and highlights the different approaches that must be adopted for international efforts. The appendices include information on French libraries online, electronic conferences, and sources for statistical data. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews