AGORA

developing technology for the hybrid library

Funded under the eLib Phase 3 Programme.

Aim: The project builds on eLib experience in the EDDIS and NewsAgent projects using Fretwell-Downing software as a basis to build a hybrid library software system which should be widely applicable. The project aims to provide an open, standards based platform for distributed, mixed-media information management, as well as a framework for end-user-oriented services and an infrastructure which can be scaled up to provide the backbone for national access to distributed collections (the Distributed National Electronic Resource).

The outcome of the project will be a layer of software or "middleware" which hides the underlying differences between resources allowing for seamless access to them, as well as the transparent addition of services and resources into the landscape. The Hybrid Library Management System will act as a broker to dynamically map user requests onto the underlying system requests. Integration of components will be done through a Z39.50 service and will include the library catalogue, CDROMs, "clump" entry points, subject gateways, Electronic Document Integration, etc.

Partners: Led from the University of East Anglia, with partners in the UK Office of Library Networking, CERLIM (University of Central Lancashire) and Fretwell-Downing Informatics Ltd.

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