An agent-based hypermedia framework for designing and developing digital libraries

The idea of a digital library has many facets; and as such, is the focus for a number of emerging areas of study. We consider digital libraries as heterogeneous and dynamic information environments, and to that end, have identified inter-operability and extensibility as essential characteristics for effective digital libraries. We present what may be termed a "computer science" approach, through the development of an agent-based hypermedia model for digital libraries. Our model provides an agent-based framework which allows digital libraries to be considered, designed and developed as information environments being composed of different cooperating agents playing several roles: library agents providing information retrieval services; accessor agents providing information storage services; authors publishing their work; and finally users requesting information.