Extending Library Services of Greenstone Open Source Digital Library

Abstract

Digital libraries are becoming increasingly important not only as a universal source of human knowledge, but also as a universal learning environment for citizens of the world. In a complex world where citizens are divided by time, distance, culture, religion and economy, digital libraries can be a unifier by providing an environment where no citizen of the world is isolated from learning. Patrons can learn from a digital library with the touch of a button about the nature of the universe, the history of people, scientific and technological innovations, humanity and etc. There are number of digital library open source software, to show the power of digital libraries, and to motivate people, Universities and Institutes, for using and building Digital Libraries (DLs). Greenstone open source digital library Software is popular software, which can be used as a foundation in building DLs. The aim of this project is to use Greenstone open source software for building a Digital Library (DL) to satisfy the requirements of UCSC. Since the existing features of GSDL are not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of UCSC, under my project GSDL is extended to have features discussed below. A better security system: Because of the GSDL Software does not have a security system that suits UCSC, under my project, better, new, security and an administration modules are developed for improving security, maximizing the reliability, and establishing centralized administration for better controlling. Another important objective is to show a greater level of cost benefit advantage by providing centralized services integrating and using a new database, via a well-controlled server. Since GSDL does not have any services (such as a Bulletin Board, E-Mails service, Chat Engine etc,) to facilitate and improve user end user collaboration, I enhanced GSDL open source software by implementing a Bulletin Board with Article and Message sections. Further this facilitate for uploading Articles & Messages. Further I have developed an E-Mail server, with facilities such as mail accounts, mail sending, viewing, forwarding & deleting, to improve collaborative works and information dissemination, among library users.