The Journal of Information Science and Technology Association
(Johono Kagaku to Gijutsu)
Vol. 53 (2003) , No.12
Special feature : Digital Library Part-2


Issues and Challenges in Digital Libraries for Future
Shigeo SUGIMOTO
(Research Center for Knowledge Communities, Institute of Library and Information Science, University of Tsukuba (1-2 Kasuga, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8550))

 Abstract : The explosive development of the Internet and WWW has changed our information environment. It has greatly promoted libraries to move forward toward digital libraries. Firstly, this paper briefly describes the R&D activities for digital libraries in the information technologies area since 1990's. Secondly, it describes typical digital library functions provided by operational digital libraries. Thirdly, it describes a few topics on digital libraries from the viewpoint of the Internet, which include metadata issues and Semantic Web. Lastly, the paper discusses a few critical issues for digital libraries for further development, which include interoperability and preservation. These issues are primarily described from the viewpoint of metadata.

Keywords : Digital Library / Metadata / Information Technology / Internet / WWW / Interoperability / Digital Preservation

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Libraries in China and Digital Library Project―focusing on China Digital Library Project―
Kazuhiro ANDO
(Asian Resources Division, Collection Department, Kansai-kan of the National Diet Library (8-1-3, Seikadai, Seika-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 619-8034))

 Abstract : From the middle of the 1990s, libraries in China have advanced projects to research on digital library and to develop digital library technology. In 2000, China Digital Library Project was started to construct nationwide full-scale digital library. In this paper, I analyzed shortage of budget for library resources and the construction of the information infrastructure. And I reviewed approach to the digital library by means of focusing on China Digital Library Project.

Keywords : China / spread of internet / digital library / resource sharing / China Digital Library Project

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On Organizations towards Research and Dissemination of Digital Contents
Masaaki KASHIMURA
(The HUMI Project, Keio University (2-15-45, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8345))

 Abstract : When Keio University came to possess a copy of the Gutenberg Bible in 1996, the HUMI Project was launched for the purpose of digital archiving of rare books. At first in this paper, activities of the HUMI Project will be outlined. Then the circumstances and background of the establishment of Keio Digital Content Research and Service Museum in aiming at accumulation, management and dissemination of digital contents derived from a greater variety of resources will be introduced. A small consideration of what organizations for research and dissemination of digital contents will be is given in the last part.

Keywords : digital content / digital archive / digitization / rare book / digital library / digital museum

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The Ohara Institute Social Research Website (OISR. ORG) : the overview of the evolution of its contents
Takashi WAKASUGI
(Ohara Institute for Social Research, Hosei University (4342, Aihara, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194-0298))

 Abstract : The Ohara Institute for Social Research, the research institute and specialized library of labor and social problems, has started its website (OISR.ORG) in 1996. Its contents originally consisted of information on the institute, on-line database of books and journal articles, and a collection of web-links to labor unions and other labor-related organizations. To these original contents, the institute later added other sources of information that included full texts of the institute's journal articles, pictures and lists of poster, letters, and other primary source materials. As a result, the institute's website has come to be seen as one of the most comprehensive websites in the area of social and labor problems. Web-pages are designed based on discussion among staff so as to make them as convenient as possible for users to navigate through the website.

Keywords : labor problems / labor movements / social problems / internet / Ohara Institute for Social Research / Hosei University / OISR. ORG / archives 

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Opening-up Company's E-library to Public
Eiichi WACHI
(NTT DoCoMo, Inc. Corporate Citizen ship Office (11-1, Nagata-cho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6150))

 Abstract : NTT DoCoMo established an e-library as a part of social activities in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of opening of business. The activity has drawn on the concept of preserving Japanese traditional culture in digital archive. The e-library is intended also to suppot information communications network, which is the NTT DoCoMo's business.
 This paragraph introduces the contents of the DoCoMo e-library and feedback from users and gives an outline of what remains to be seen and done in order to the development of the e-library.

Keywords : Digital Library / Mobile Communication / children / a picture-story show / folktale

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Digital Library Evaluation
Toshio TANIGUCHI
(Faculty of Literature, Kyoto Koka Women's University (38, Kadono-cho, Nishikyogoku, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 615-0882))

 Abstract : In Japan, we havn't had enough discussion about framework to evaluate the digital library. In this paper I try to analyse the library services, the importance of contents, human, resources, tools and userbility what can lead us how to evaluate the digital library.

Keywords : Digital Library / Evaluation / Kyoto University Library / National Diet Library / Stanford University Libraries

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"KIPRIS" the Patent Database of South Korea
Mikako SAKAI
(Techno Creatives Corp. Search Dept. (3-3-5, Owa, Suwa-city, Nagano 392-8502))

 Abstract : In Japan, the attention of the South Korean companies activity is increasing in the past several years. Their plant-and-equipment investment and energy of research-and-development activities attract an eye, and the degree of attention to the South Korean patent is also increasing. The commercial database, the free database which can be search in English are used as sources of information of the South Korean patent. However, there is a problem that time lag is large, by being translated into English. Moreover, there was no check means of legal status.
 We the Japan EPI Association (JEA) studied about the South Korean patent database "KIPRIS."

Keywords : Patent information / South Korean patent / patent search / KIPRIS / a website / examination progress information

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