Digital Libraries - Implementation Principles

As we build digital libraries, it is important to consider key principles so that these libraries will be easily usable, and have long-term archival value.

1. Declarative representations of documents should be used.
2. Document components should be represented using natural forms, namely objects that can be manipulated by users familiar with those objects.
3. Links should be recorded, preserved, organized and generalized.
4. There should be a separation between the digital library and user interfaces to it.
5. Searching should make use of advanced retrieval methods.
6. Open systems that include the user, and where (some of) the functions of librarians are carried out by the computer, must be developed.
7. Task-oriented access to electronic archives must be supported.
8. A user-centered development approach should be adopted.
9. Users should work with objects at the right level of generality.