NewsAgent

creating an innovative new information service for the information provider community

supported by eLib (UK Electronic Libraries Programme)

Aim: The project aims to create a user-configurable electronic news and current awareness service with a mixture of content streams, including metadata (descriptions of documents).

Users will be able to filter information to overcome overload, using both automated and human editorial techniques. The service will consolidate the editorial skills of libraries as academic publishers and extend their awareness of electronic publishing issues. Profiling systems and metadata handling will enable publishers to match efficiently their output to user needs. An appropriate copyright management approach will be developed, along with management information, user administration and billing systems.
The core of the system will be a distributed virtual content store (VCS). This will provide unified access to both data and metadata. If trials prove successful, the service will be continued commercially.

Partners: Fretwell-Downing is collaborating with UKOLN (UK Office of Library Information Networking), LITC (Library Information Technology Centre) and CERLIM (Centre for Research in Library and Information Management at Manchester Metropolitan University).

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