Dataspace and its application in digital libraries

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce dataspace into digital libraries in order to address its emerging data management challenges which stem from cross-domain, heterogeneous, and uncertain nature of data resources, based on looking into the fundamental principles, significant features, and research directions of dataspace. Design/methodology/approach – This research mainly employs three types of research methodologies: a literature study was conducted for revealing the fundamental principles, analyzing the significant features, and discussing the new research topics; knowledge engineering methodology is used to design the data model; software engineering methodology is applied to develop the reference framework and the digital library. Findings – This paper for the first time proposes a motion to build a Dataspace Support Digital Library (DSDL), and provides its data model, data management policies and a reference framework. Further, its implementation is described and some implications learned from the case study are also discussed. Practical implications – Introducing dataspace technologies into developing a digital library frees the developer to just focus on solving business challenges, rather than addressing non-business related, data management level tasks. In addition, the data model and the reference framework presented in this paper lay foundations for constructing Dataspace Support Digital Libraries. Originality/value – This is the first paper to introduce dataspaces into the design of digital libraries and is also the first paper to propose a novel data model, data management and reference framework for Dataspace Support Digital Libraries.