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英语作文-图书馆的数字化信息资源管理与利用创新In the realm of information management and utilization, one innovative facet that stands out is the digitization of library resources. As the digital age accelerates, libraries have evolved from repositories of physical books to dynamic hubs of digital knowledge, embracing the power of technology to enhance their services and accessibility.The heart of this transformation lies in the efficient management of digital information. Libraries have transitioned from traditional catalogues to sophisticated digital systems, allowing users to easily search, borrow, and access a vast array of e-books, journals, and multimedia resources. These systems often integrate with popular platforms like WorldCat, JSTOR, and Google Scholar, fostering seamless integration and interlibrary loans.One key aspect of digital resource management is the preservation and digitization of older materials. Libraries invest in high-resolution scanning and digitization projects, ensuring that historical documents and rare books survive for future generations. This not only protects the content but also makes it universally accessible, breaking down geographical barriers.Innovative utilization strategies include gamification and interactive learning tools. For instance, libraries create digital libraries for children, incorporating educational games and multimedia resources to engage young readers. These interactive experiences enhance learning and foster a love for reading in a digital age.The digital library also fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing. Virtual study groups, online forums, and digital archives enable remote users to participate in discussions and collaborate on projects, fostering a global learning community.Moreover, libraries are embracing artificial intelligence and machine learning to personalize recommendations and enhance user experience. By analyzing user behaviorand preferences, they can suggest relevant content, thus enhancing the utility of their digital collections.However, the journey towards digital excellence is not without its challenges. Privacy concerns, copyright issues, and the need for continuous updating and maintenance are significant hurdles. Libraries must navigate these complexities while maintaining their commitment to open access and user-centric services.In conclusion, the digitization of library information resources and management is a strategic innovation that has revolutionized the way we access and utilize knowledge. By embracing technology, libraries have not only adapted to the times but have also become catalysts for continuous learning and innovation. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, libraries will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of information management.。
英语作文-图书馆的数字化信息资源利用与知识创新In the realm of academia and research, libraries have long stood as bastions of knowledge, offering a sanctuary where the curious mind can delve into the depths of scholarly work and literature. However, the digital revolution has transformed these traditional havens into dynamic hubs of digital information resources, fostering an environment ripe for knowledge innovation.The digitization of library resources has been a significant leap forward in the democratization of information. No longer confined to physical boundaries, libraries now offer access to a plethora of digital books, journals, databases, and multimedia resources, available to anyone with an internet connection. This shift has not only expanded the reach of libraries but also enhanced the efficiency of research processes. Digital libraries enable users to perform precise searches, access materials instantly, and even work collaboratively with peers across the globe.One of the most profound impacts of digital resources in libraries is the facilitation of knowledge creation. With tools such as online databases and digital archives, researchers can uncover patterns, draw connections, and generate insights that were previously obscured by the sheer volume of information. The ability to analyze large datasets, often through the use of software and algorithms, has given rise to new disciplines like digital humanities, where computational methods are applied to traditional humanities subjects.Moreover, the integration of digital resources has encouraged interdisciplinary research. Scholars can easily cross-reference materials from various fields, leading to a synthesis of ideas that fosters innovation. For instance, a historian might utilize geographic information systems (GIS) to map historical events, while a literary scholar could analyze text patterns in classic literature using text-mining techniques.The accessibility of digital resources also plays a crucial role in lifelong learning and continuing education. Libraries have become gateways to online courses, workshops, andwebinars, allowing individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge well beyond their formal education years. This ease of access to learning materials supports a culture of continuous professional development and personal growth.However, the abundance of digital information comes with its challenges. Information overload and the difficulty in discerning credible sources from the vast sea of content are issues that users face. Libraries, recognizing this, have taken on the role of curators, guiding users to high-quality, peer-reviewed materials, and providing assistance in navigating the complex landscape of digital information.In conclusion, the utilization of digital information resources in libraries has been a catalyst for knowledge innovation. It has reshaped the way we access, analyze, and apply information, breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of collaborative and interdisciplinary research. As we continue to embrace the digital age, libraries will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of this intellectual evolution, ensuring that the flow of knowledge remains as vibrant and accessible as ever. In doing so, they uphold their mission to serve as beacons of learning, adaptation, and discovery in an ever-changing world. 。
英语作文-数字化时代的图书馆：挑战与机遇In the digital age, libraries are facing both challenges and opportunities. The rise of digital technology has transformed the way information is accessed and shared, posing new challenges for traditional libraries. However, it also presents exciting opportunities for libraries to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of their users.One of the biggest challenges for libraries in the digital age is the rapid pace of technological change. With the growth of the internet and digital devices, people now have access to vast amounts of information at their fingertips. This has led to a decline in the use of traditional library resources, such as books and journals. Libraries must find ways to stay relevant in a world where information is increasingly being accessed online.Another challenge for libraries is the need to digitize their collections. Many libraries are now in the process of digitizing their holdings in order to make them more accessible to users. This requires significant resources and expertise, as well as the need to navigate copyright issues and other legal considerations. Despite these challenges, digitization offers libraries the opportunity to reach a wider audience and preserve valuable resources for future generations.Despite these challenges, the digital age also presents exciting opportunities for libraries. One of the biggest opportunities is the ability to reach a global audience. With the internet, libraries can now connect with users from around the world, providing access to a wealth of information and resources. This has the potential to democratize access to knowledge and promote learning and education on a global scale.Another opportunity for libraries in the digital age is the ability to offer new services and programs. Libraries can now provide access to e-books, online databases, and other digital resources that were not available in the past. This allows libraries to expand their offerings and attract new users who may not have used traditional library services. Additionally, libraries can use digital technology to enhance the user experience, providing interactive exhibits, virtual tours, and other engaging activities.In conclusion, the digital age presents both challenges and opportunities for libraries. While libraries must adapt to the changing landscape of information access, they also have the opportunity to reach a wider audience and offer new and innovative services. By embracing digital technology and evolving with the times, libraries can continue to serve as valuable resources for their communities in the years to come.。
图书馆应该做什么英语作文六年级Libraries have long been a cornerstone of communities, providing access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth. As the world continues to evolve, the role of libraries is also changing, and it is essential to consider what libraries should do to remain relevant and valuable in the modern era. In this essay, we will explore several key areas where libraries can make a significant impact and fulfill their role as bastions of knowledge and community.Firstly, libraries should strive to be inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. This means ensuring that their physical spaces, resources, and services are designed to accommodate individuals with diverse needs, including those with disabilities, language barriers, or socioeconomic challenges. By providing assistive technologies, multilingual materials, and outreach programs, libraries can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to engage with and benefit from the resources they offer.Another crucial aspect of what libraries should do is to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of their patrons. In the digital age,many people now access information and content through electronic devices and online platforms. Libraries should embrace this shift by expanding their digital collections, offering e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, and providing access to high-speed internet and computer workstations. This will enable them to cater to the needs of tech-savvy users while still maintaining a strong physical presence for those who prefer traditional print materials.Libraries should also play a vital role in fostering lifelong learning and intellectual growth. This can be achieved by curating diverse collections that cover a wide range of subjects, from literature and history to science and technology. By providing access to these resources, libraries can encourage individuals to explore new ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in self-directed learning. Additionally, libraries can host educational programs, workshops, and book clubs that bring the community together and promote a love of learning.Furthermore, libraries should serve as hubs for community engagement and social interaction. They can organize events, workshops, and activities that cater to the diverse interests and needs of their patrons, such as author talks, film screenings, and coding classes. By creating these opportunities for people to come together, libraries can foster a sense of community, promote social inclusion, and provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals ofall backgrounds.Another crucial role that libraries should play is in supporting literacy and education. By partnering with local schools and educational institutions, libraries can develop programs and resources that complement the curriculum and provide additional support for students. This can include homework help, tutoring services, and access to specialized research materials. Additionally, libraries can offer early childhood literacy programs, such as storytime sessions and book clubs, to nurture a love of reading from a young age.Finally, libraries should strive to be environmental leaders and champions of sustainability. This can be achieved by implementing eco-friendly practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting, promoting the use of digital resources to reduce paper consumption, and encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, libraries can inspire their patrons to adopt more environmentally conscious behaviors and contribute to the broader effort to create a more sustainable future.In conclusion, libraries have the potential to play a vital role in shaping the future of our communities. By embracing inclusivity, adapting to changing needs, fostering lifelong learning, promoting community engagement, supporting literacy and education, andchampioning sustainability, libraries can continue to be essential institutions that enrich the lives of individuals and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.。
英语作文-图书馆的数字化学习资源建设与教育创新With the rapid development of technology, digital learning resources in libraries have become an essential part of educational innovation. In this article, we will explore the significance of digitizing learning resources in libraries and the benefits it brings to education.First and foremost, the digitization of learning resources in libraries allows for easy access to a wide range of information. Gone are the days when students had to spend hours searching through stacks of books to find relevant materials. With digital resources, students can simply search for keywords and instantly access the information they need. This not only saves time but also enables students to explore a broader range of topics, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.Furthermore, digital learning resources provide a platform for interactive and collaborative learning. Many digital libraries offer features such as discussion forums, virtual classrooms, and online study groups. These tools facilitate communication and knowledge sharing among students, allowing them to learn from each other and engage in meaningful discussions. Additionally, digital resources often include multimedia elements such as videos, interactive quizzes, and simulations, which make learning more engaging and interactive.In addition to enhancing accessibility and promoting collaboration, the digitization of learning resources also allows for personalized learning. Digital libraries can track students' progress and provide personalized recommendations based on their interests and learning styles. This personalized approach to learning ensures that students receive tailored support and can progress at their own pace. Moreover, digital resources can be easily updated and revised, ensuring that students have access to the most up-to-date information.Another benefit of digitizing learning resources is the cost-effectiveness it offers. Traditional libraries require significant financial investment in physical books, maintenance, and storage. In contrast, digital libraries eliminate the need for physical space and reduce costs associated with printing and distribution. This allows educational institutions to allocate their resources more efficiently and provide a wider range of learning materials to students.Furthermore, the digitization of learning resources in libraries promotes environmental sustainability. By reducing the reliance on printed materials, digital libraries contribute to the conservation of natural resources and reduce carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of physical books. This aligns with the growing awareness of the importance of environmental protection and sustainable practices in education.In conclusion, the digitization of learning resources in libraries plays a crucial role in educational innovation. It enhances accessibility, promotes collaboration, enables personalized learning, and offers cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solutions. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for libraries to embrace digital transformation and provide students with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. By doing so, we can ensure that education remains relevant and effective in an ever-changing world.。
When it comes to categorizing books,there are several methods and criteria that can be employed to organize a collection in a way that is both logical and userfriendly.Here are some common ways to classify books:1.By Genre:This is one of the most common methods of classification.Books can be sorted into genres such as fiction,nonfiction,mystery,romance,science fiction,fantasy, historical,biography,and so on.2.By Author:Organizing books by the authors last name is a straightforward method, especially in libraries.This can be particularly useful for readers who enjoy the works of a particular writer.3.By Publication Date:For those interested in the evolution of literature or a specific genre,categorizing books by the year they were published can provide a chronological perspective.4.By Language:In a multilingual environment,books can be grouped by the language in which they are written,making it easier for readers to find books in their preferred language.5.By Age Group:Books can be sorted into categories such as childrens literature,young adult,and adult,which helps readers of different age groups to find appropriate reading material.6.By Subject Matter:For academic or educational collections,books can be classified by subject areas such as history,science,mathematics,literature,and so on.7.By Series:If a collection includes multiple books from the same series,it can be helpful to group them together.This is particularly relevant for readers who enjoy following a narrative across multiple volumes.8.By Format:Books can also be categorized by their physical format,such as hardcover, paperback,or digital ebooks.9.By Size:In some cases,especially in personal collections,books might be organized by size or height to fit neatly on a shelf.10.By Popularity or Bestsellers:For commercial bookstores,it can be beneficial to havea section for bestselling books or popular titles to attract customers.11.By Award Winners:Books that have won prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize, the Man Booker Prize,or the Nobel Prize in Literature can be grouped together to highlight their literary significance.12.By Personal Interest:For personal collections,books can be categorized based on the owners interests,such as travel,cooking,gardening,or any other hobby.When writing an essay on classifying books,its important to consider the purpose of the classification and the audience it serves.For example,a librarian might prioritize ease of access and retrieval,while a personal collector might prioritize personal enjoyment and ease of browsing.The essay could also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of different classification systems,and how technology,such as digital libraries and databases,has influenced the way we categorize and access books.。
给数字图书馆建议英语作文Title: Enhancing Digital Libraries: A Comprehensive Guide。
Introduction。
In this digital era, the significance of digital libraries cannot be overstated. They serve as reservoirs of knowledge, facilitating access to information regardless of geographical constraints. However, to ensure their effectiveness and relevance, continuous enhancement is imperative. This essay presents a comprehensive guide for improving digital libraries, encompassing various aspects ranging from accessibility to content curation.Accessibility。
First and foremost, accessibility stands as a cornerstone of digital libraries. Ensuring that users can easily navigate the platform and access desired materialsis paramount. To achieve this, employing user-friendly interfaces with intuitive search functionalities is crucial. Additionally, optimizing the platform for compatibility across different devices and screen sizes enhances accessibility.Content Curation。
英语作文数字图书馆Title: The Evolution of Digital Libraries: Bridging Knowledge with Technology。
In the age of information explosion, the concept of a digital library has emerged as a revolutionary solution to the challenges of access, storage, and dissemination of knowledge. A digital library, essentially, is an online repository of digital resources that provides users with access to a vast array of information, including books, journals, articles, multimedia materials, and more. It is a dynamic platform that transcends the limitations of traditional libraries, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility to users worldwide.The evolution of digital libraries can be traced back to the early days of the internet when the World Wide Web was in its infancy. As technology advanced, so did the capabilities of digital libraries. Initially, digital libraries primarily consisted of text-based documents insimple formats. However, with the advent of multimedia technologies, digital libraries have evolved to encompass a wide range of media types, including audio, video, and interactive simulations.One of the defining features of digital libraries is their ability to store and organize vast amounts of information in a structured manner. Through the use of metadata and indexing techniques, digital libraries enable users to efficiently search for and retrieve relevant resources with ease. This organizational structure not only enhances the user experience but also facilitates knowledge discovery and dissemination.Moreover, digital libraries have democratized access to information on a global scale. Unlike traditional libraries, which are often limited by physical constraints such as space and location, digital libraries are accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This inclusivity has profound implications for education, research, and lifelong learning, as it ensures that knowledge is not restricted by geographical boundaries or socioeconomic factors.Furthermore, digital libraries have revolutionized the way information is preserved and archived for future generations. Unlike traditional paper-based materials, digital resources can be easily replicated, backed up, and preserved in perpetuity. This ensures the longevity and accessibility of valuable cultural and scholarly artifacts for future generations to study and appreciate.In addition to their role in preserving and disseminating knowledge, digital libraries also play a crucial role in advancing research and innovation. By providing access to vast repositories of scholarlyliterature and research data, digital libraries empower researchers to explore new ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and push the boundaries of human knowledge.Looking ahead, the future of digital libraries isfilled with promise and potential. Rapid advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are poised to further enhance the capabilities of digital libraries, enabling more intelligent searchalgorithms, personalized recommendations, and immersiveuser experiences.In conclusion, digital libraries represent a transformative force in the world of information and knowledge management. By harnessing the power of technology, digital libraries have revolutionized the way we access, store, and disseminate information, making knowledge more accessible and inclusive than ever before. As we continueto embrace the digital age, digital libraries will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of intellectual advancement, serving as invaluable resources forgenerations to come.。
将全民数字素养教育作为图书馆新的信息与教育使命柯平2021年11月《提升全民数字素养与技能行动纲要》(以下简称《行动纲要》)[1]的发布，不仅对于全民建设网络强国和数字中国具有重大战略意义，而且对于图书馆服务开拓创新乃至图书馆事业高质量发展具有重大现实意义。
1从读者服务到全民服务长期以来，图书馆服务从理论到实践都是以摘要《提升全民数字素养与技能行动纲要》对图书馆服务开拓创新乃至图书馆事业高质量发展具有重大的现实意义。
实施《行动纲要》将进一步推动图书馆从“读者服务”“用户服务”转向“全民服务”。
在信息技术驱动下，图书馆形成了“数字使命”，应开展全民数字服务，在推动数字资源开放共享、促进数字公共服务普适普惠等方面起到引领和带动作用。
图书馆素养教育应纳入数字人才强国建设内容，将教育培训资源建设纳入资源建设的重点，以强化数字化思维为先导，以数字素养教育全过程与新型教育模式为抓手，全面提升社会公众的数字资源获取能力、数字资源应用能力与数字资源评价能力。
关键词提升全民数字素养与技能行动纲要公共图书馆社会教育数字素养教育数字使命引用本文格式柯平.将全民数字素养教育作为图书馆新的信息与教育使命[J].图书馆论坛，2022，42（3）：9-11.National Digital Literacy Education：The New Information and Educa-tional Mission for LibrariesKE PingAbstract The Outline of Actions for Enhancing National Digital Literacy and Digital Skills（the Outline）bears great significance for developing and innovating library services and the high-quality development of library undertakings.Firstly，the Law on Public Libraries adheres to a people-centered principle of development，thus，the implementation of the Outline will further enhance the transition from reader and user service to civic service in libraries.Secondly，driven by information technology，libraries are on a digital mission to provide digital services in the scenes of digital life，digital learning，digital work and digital innovation，and play a leading role in promoting the opening and sharing of digital resources and making digital public services more universal and inclusive.Thirdly，literacy education at libraries should cover the development of a quality digital workforce，giving priority to：in terms of content and resources，incorporating educational and training resources into libraries’key collections，with a focus on the enrichment of digital resources for education and training；in terms of demand and service，comprehensively strengthening the public’s capacity to obtain，use and evaluate digital resources，by exploiting the pioneering role of digital thinking and focusing on the whole process of digital literacy education and new educational pattern.Keywords Outline of Actions for Enhancing National Digital Literacy and Digital Skills；public library；social education；digital literacy education；digital mission9◎2022年第3期◎“读者”作为服务对象和研究的重点，产生了“读者至上”“读者第一”的理念和思想。
Subject: Proposal for Enhancing Library Services at Our SchoolDear School Administration,I am writing this proposal with the utmost enthusiasm to suggest a series ofimprovements to our school library services, aiming to enhance the learningexperience, foster a vibrant intellectual community, and make our library a hub of knowledge and inspiration for all students and staff. In today's digital age, while online resources are indispensable, the physical library remains a crucial space for collaboration, exploration, and serendipitous discoveries. Here are my suggestions:1. Digital Integration and Accessibility•Upgrade Digital Platform: Invest in a user-friendly digital library system that integrates seamlessly with online research databases, e-books, and audiobooks. This platform should allow for easy access from both school devices and personal devices, ensuring students can access materialsanytime, anywhere.••Mobile App Development: Develop a dedicated mobile app for the library, providing quick access to catalog searches, reservations, and even virtual study rooms bookings. This will further enhance accessibility andconvenience.•2. Enhanced Reading and Study Spaces•Flexible Seating Arrangements: Introduce a variety of seating options,including quiet carrels, comfortable couches, and collaborative tables, to cater to different learning styles and preferences.••Quiet Zones and Discussion Areas: Clearly designate quiet zones for solo study and separate discussion areas to encourage group work without disturbing others.•3. Personalized Learning Support•Librarians as Learning Partners: Train librarians to serve as learning advisors, offering guidance on research methodologies, citation styles, and eventechnology tools. Regular workshops and one-on-one consultations can empower students.••Curated Book Lists: Create personalized book and resource lists tailored to specific subjects, grades, or interests, to help students discover new reading materials that align with their academic journey.•4. Promotion of Reading CultureReading Challenges and Clubs: Organize reading challenges, book clubs, and author talks to foster a love for reading and build a community around shared literary experiences.••Digital Display Boards: Utilize digital display boards to showcase upcoming events, book recommendations, and student achievements, keeping the library vibrant and engaging.•5. Accessibility and Inclusivity•Accessible Design: Ensure all areas of the library, including furniture,technology, and signage, adhere to accessibility standards, making the space welcoming to students with disabilities.••Multilingual Resources: Expand the library's collection to includemultilingual books and resources, reflecting the diversity of our student body and promoting inclusivity.•6. Community Engagement and OutreachPartnerships with Local Libraries and Organizations: Establish partnerships with nearby libraries and cultural institutions to share resources, host joint events, and broaden students' horizons.••Outreach Programs: Initiate outreach programs for underprivilegedcommunities, providing library cards, access to digital resources, andliteracy workshops, thereby extending the library's impact beyond our school walls.•In conclusion, by embracing these suggestions, our school library can evolve into a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that not only meets the evolving needs of our students but also inspires a lifelong love for knowledge and exploration. I am confident that these improvements will greatly enhance the overall educationalexperience at our school and contribute to the holistic development of our students.Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to working together towards a brighter future for our school library.Sincerely,[Your Name][Your Position/Grade][Date]。
Ali ShiriSchool of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta, EdmontonStan RueckerHumanities Computing Program, Department of English and Film Studies, University of Alberta, EdmontonXimena RosselloDepartment of Art and Design, University of Alberta, EdmontonMatthew BouchardHumanities Computing Program, University of Alberta, EdmontonParas MehtaFaculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, EdmontonDevelopment of A Thesaurus-enhanced Visual Interface for Multilingual Digital LibrariesAbstract: The aim of this paper is to report on the development of a visual user interface enhanced with a thesaurus to support information retrieval in a multilingual digital library context. The interface provides a design to support seamless access to three spaces, namely thesaurus space, query space and result display space.Résumé : Le but de cette communication est de présenter le développement d’une interface visuelle pour l’utilisateur, améliorée par un thésaurus pouvant assister le repérage d’information dans le contexte d’une bibliothèque numérique multilingue. L’interface offre une conception donnant un accès uniforme à trois espaces, à savoir l’espace thésaurus, l’espace requête etl’espace d’affichage des résultats.1. Introduction and Related WorkDigital libraries are multifaceted and complex information structures that offer a wide range and variety of information bearing objects. They vary in their content, subject matter, cultural characteristics, language etc. Arms (2000) notes that “a digital library is only as good as the interface it provides to its users.” The variety of digital objects and materials in a digital library poses challenges to the design of usable and easy to understand user interfaces. Visual interfaces to digital libraries have recently found widespread attention. This development is mainly due to the fact that Information visualization techniques allow for rich representation of information bearing objects within digital libraries. Borner (2001) suggests that visual interfaces to digital libraries shift users’ mental load from slow reading to faster perceptual processes such as visual pattern recognition. Zaphiris, et al. (2004) explore the application of information visualization in digital libraries and identify three key tasks in digital libraries, namely searching, browsing and navigation to which information visualization can make contribution. Visual interfaces to digital libraries exploit powerful human vision and spatial cognition to help humans mentally organize and electronically access and manage large, complex information spaces. The aim is to shift the user’s mental load from slow reading to faster perceptual processes such as visual pattern recognition (Borner andChen, 2002). Shen et al. (2006) argue that text mining and visualization techniques provide digital libraries additional powerful exploring services, with possible beneficial effects on browsing and searching.Over the last decade a number of digital libraries and online initiatives have incorporated knowledge organization systems such as thesauri and classification systems into their user interfaces to provide support for query formulation, collection browsing and other search tasks (Hodge, 2000; Hudon, and Hjartarson, 2002;Shiri and Molberg, 2005). A few prototype interfaces have utilized graphical as well as two- or three-dimensional category hierarchies using the MeSH Thesaurus. TraverseNet (McMath et al., 1989), MeSHBrowse (Korn & Shneiderman, 1995), Cat-a-cone (Hearst & Karadi, 1997), Visual MeSH (Xin, 1999), and the Integrated Thesaurus-Results Browser (Sutcliffe et al., 2000) are among the prototype thesaurus-enhanced interfaces. There are also some studies that have found that thesaurus-enhanced search interfaces can support users’ query formulation and expansion (Beaulieu, 1997; Shiri, 2006). Jorna and Davis (2001) note that in order to facilitate cross-cultural communication in an increasingly global information society multilingual thesauri can play a significant role.Thesauri have played an important role in modern information storage and retrieval systems. While initial proposals to utilize thesauri focused on their ability to ensure consistent analysis of documents during input to information retrieval systems, they have increasingly become vital as aids to effective retrieval (Shiri, 2000). Milstead (1998) noted that in the near future, it appears likely that thesauri will be used more during retrieval than at input. The move to increasing use of thesauri as an aid to retrieval has expanded their functional span within information retrieval systems. As Aitchison et al. (1997) have stated, the role of the thesaurus is changing, but it is likely to remain an important retrieval tool. This refocusing of the use of thesauri within information retrieval systems means that it is imperative that professionals take cognizance of the potential of thesauri as essential components of the largest information retrieval environment, namely the World Wide Web (Shiri, 2000).The aim of this paper is to report on the development of a thesaurus-enhanced visual interface for multilingual information retrieval within the context of digital libraries. One of the major issues addressed by this research was to explore the ways in which subject access can be provided based on thesauri as an integral part of the search process. Most of current information access and retrieval systems provide a separate procedure or step to make use of thesauri for searching, browsing or navigation. Some of them have thesauri in advanced search facilities only. This will result in the lack of awareness on the part of users to know about and to be able to make use of semantic support that exists within thesauri. Our objective was to develop an interface which provides seamless access to both thesaurus and document spaces while having control over the search process in a multilingual environment.2. Methodology2.1 Theoretical FrameworkThe design of the interface was based on the concept of ‘rich prospect’ interfaces in which multiple representations can be used to allow access to a digital collection (Ruecker and Liepert, 2004). In the proposed interface, the aim was to provide the user with the following spaces within the interface:•Query space: for formulating search statements•Thesaurus space: for browsing and navigating the thesaurus•Document space: for viewing document representationsA number of features have been implemented to cater for query formulation and reformulation (Figure 1). These are as follows:•Language option•High level facets•Term browsing•Scope notes•Boolean operators•Retrieved document sortThe form of the interface is tabular, based in part on suggestions by Bertin (2000/2001) that, if implemented with due consideration for the data, a matrix arrangement can provide the user with instantaneous understanding of the underlying structure. In the case of a person attempting to navigate a multilingual thesaurus for the purposes of query enhancement, it is helpful to provide indications of where in the hierarchy a particular thesaurus term resides.For someone interested in query enhancement, it might be the case that any of these pieces of information is immediately relevant. Having chosen a starting term as a likely candidate to begin the search, the user may wish to expand to a broader search, or narrow to one more specific. In any case, it will be helpful to know what the system considers a preferred term and what is a term to be avoided. In addition, each of these considerations might be addressed in more than one language.The goal of the interface is therefore to make this wealth of information readily accessible to the user during the process of query formulation or reformulation. A tabular view allows quick navigation through the five kinds of data, and a set of scope notes helps inform the user where a given term falls within the language of the thesaurus. In addition, a side panel presents a list of the highest-level categories in the thesaurus, which gives a user unfamiliar with the system a possible list of starting points.A language switch provides a means of checking for corresponding terms in another language—these terms are in any case always visible as microtext satellites of the query terms. Their persistent presence in the thesaurus table both reminds the user that more than one language is available and also provides a quick means of switching back and forth between languages. This function is also served by an explicit language selection choice, made with a radio button in the panel to the right of the main table. The language choice for the prototype system is limited to English and French (the languages of the Government of Canada Core Subject Thesaurus). However, the data structure behind the thesaurus and the interface design are intended to be flexible enough to eventually accommodate a considerably wider range of languages.Figure 1. A Thesaurus-enhanced Visual Interface for Digital LibrariesThe formulation and reformulation of queries is the primary goal of the interface. But in addition, once the user has constructed and executed a query, the system also provides some tools for managing the result set. These are found in the Document space, whichforms the third section of the screen, running across the bottom below the Thesaurus space on the left and the Query space to the right. The Document space shows the returns for the current query, in whichever languages have been selected. The documents are represented by standard bibliographic information about the author, title, and date; they can also be sorted in various ways, and each item serves as a link to the actual document. By offering the combination of the three information spaces, namely query space, thesaurus space and documents space and in particular placing a query formulation mechanism within the context of a tabular display of the thesaurus terms and their interrelations, this study suggests possibilities for the efficient integration of multilingual thesauri into the query formulation process.The Government of Canada Core Subject Thesaurus was chosen for this project for the following reasons:•It is a bilingual thesaurus•It is associated with a number of digital collections such as the Government of Canada Publications and the Government of Canada site•It is a general purpose thesaurus in the sense that it is not confined to a specific subject area•It represents a standard thesaurus with standard term relationships•It is a faceted thesaurus which makes it suitable for browsing and searching2.2 System designThe implementation of the system can be conceived in three layers: the database layer (or backend), the database-interface layer (which facilitates communication between the backend and the front-end), and the user-interface layer (or front-end). At each layer, the goal was to maximize flexibility and scalability to ensure that changes and additions could be elegantly handled.Backend work on the project was developed starting a version of the Government of Canada Core Subject Thesaurus database provided in a plain-text format. This information was transferred into a MySQL database for faster access and easier interaction with web technologies.The development of the database layer was focused carefully on scalability. Neither the number of language representations of a thesaurus entry nor the languages available in the database themselves were hard-coded into the database structure. This flexibility will make it relatively simple to add languages to the database and to add corresponding language representations of existing terms. The database-interface layer was written in PHP, a programming language that is a standard for generating dynamic web content and a common method for interacting with MySQL. In keeping with scalability and to ease the maintenance and upgrading of the system, the PHP layer was implemented using Object Oriented programming. Objects were created that represent a thesaurus term, a language representation of that term, and a document in the collection to be searched. The power of using objects is the abstraction of lower-level system concepts from higher-level system functionality. This means that you can easily modify low-level implementation details (such as the nature of a term representation) without changing high-level functions. Figure 2 shows the architecture of the system.Figure 2. Architecture of the Visual Thesaurus-enhanced Search SystemOne important design choice, made to increase the efficiency of collection searches and to provide more information about search terms in the interface, was the pre-indexing of the document collection against the search terms. Having this information in the database allows us to show the user how many documents match a particular search term or combination of terms before they complete the search. This dynamic information provides the user with much richer browsing and searching environment, hopefully providing them with more useful results.The front-end of the project used OpenLaszlo (or OL) as a protoyping tool. OL can be used to create rich Flash applications, but the programmer need not know Flash or ActionScript. The whole program is written in XML and Javascript which OL compiles into Flash. This allows the creation of web applications that have the functionality of desktop applications. By leveraging the power of Flash, OL makes programs that can be run on any browser on any operating system. OL also includes several useful interface structures (like buttons and drop-down menus) pre-built and easy to deploy. In addition to its portability, OL is written from the ground up as an interface prototyping language. The important advantage of this is that the base units of the language are all visual. There is no need to envision how the code will be translated into on-screen elements. The code is simply a description of what the screen will look like. Of course, this leads to the main disadvantage that things which are more easily implemented in a traditional, procedural language are more difficult in OL. As the language matures, these things will become easier as the creators of OL and its community fully explore its potential. Similar to the PHP layer, the user-interface layer was designed using Object Oriented methods to provide a front-end that easily accommodates more languages and more searchable collections. The objects are generated dynamically through XML that is produced by the database-interaction layer. OL fully implements Xpath and can quickly and easily access different levels of data.3. ConclusionThe increasing number of prototype visual interfaces for digital libraries points to the growing popularity and acceptance of these types of interfaces for multimedia, multimodal and multilingual information repositories and digital libraries. In this paper we presented the methodological, technical and informational aspects of the development of a thesaurus-enhanced visual interface. The design of the interface takes advantage of a knowledge organization system and visualization techniques. The design provides a theoretical framework for creating semantically rich representation of digital collections.The next stage of this project will focus on conducting a user-centred evaluation to assess the usability, usefulness and utility of the interface for carrying out various information search and retrieval tasks.ReferencesAitchison, J., Gilchrist, A. and Bawden, D. 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