Document structure and digital libraries: how researchers mobilize information in journal articles

Abstract

This paper explores how academic researchers disaggregate and reaggregate scientific journal articles in both print and digital environments. Journal article disaggregation refers to the ability to access and manipulate individual components of a document, such as its figures, conclusions or references. In reaggregation, article components are compiled and integrated into a new written work. Data gathered in the NSF/DARPA/NASA Digital Libraries Initiative (DLI) project at the University of Illinois are analyzed to describe how components are mobilized in the work of researchers as they identify, retrieve, read and use material in articles of interest. Results lead to a discussion of the nature of metadata, the role of context in constraining component use, the complex assemblage of information system use and implications for digital library system design and user education.