Leta Hunt

The Utility of Spatial and Temporal Organization in Digital Library Construction

Abstract Full realization of the digital library concept includes the potential of infinite, integrated growth in materials, genres, and formats. The universal parameters of space (geographical location) and time can be used to augment conventional item description and provide general means to integrate disparate materials, subject matter, and non-textual formats.

InscriptiFact: A virtual archive of ancient inscriptions from the Near East

The need for preservation and reclamation of ancient Near Eastern texts that provide the foundation and historical point of reference for Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the cultures from which they emerged has become urgent – especially in light of recent cultural disasters. The West Semitic Research Project at the University of Southern California addresses this urgency by documenting ancient inscriptions in a highly meticulous fashion in order to reclaim readings from deteriorated documents using a wide range of technologies. The complementary InscriptiFact image database application employs data organization along with search and display strategies to facilitate easy, intuitive access by scholars.

Project ISLA: A Space/Time/Full-Text/Format Search and Retrieval System Designed by End Users.

Abstract This article discusses the role of end users in the design of a multi-format digital library project (ISLA) being developed at the University of Southern California Library for the study of the Los Angeles region. ISLA focuses on the specific needs of cross-disciplinary research involving large urban regions.

InscriptiFact: Internet Access to High-Resolution Images of Ancient Inscriptions and Artifacts from the Near Eastern and Mediterranean Worlds

InscriptiFact is a specialized database application designed to provide Internet access for researchers to a broad range of image data and associated metadata with the focus on ancient inscriptions and artifacts from the Near East and Mediterranean. It is especially intended to serve as a permanent image resource to aid researchers in the reclamation of ancient works by giving them intuitive access to images that take full advantage of current (and future) technologies.

Concrete Abstractions: Ancient Texts As Artifacts And The Future Of Their Documentation And Distribution In The Digital Age

This chapter discusses the accomplishment of the vision both in terms of imaging technologies and implementation of optimal distribution of the images. It considers some of the most important and most recent imaging technologies that significantly improve the reading, analysis, reconstruction and decipherment of ancient texts and how their images can be effectively and intuitively distributed over the internet, using InscriptiFact as a model. The chapter explains the implementation in an online context of some of the most important viewing features and real-time functionalities that facilitate better overall understanding of ancient texts. An increasing number of scholars are learning advanced image documentation techniques and considering them fundamental to research and study of a wide range of ancient texts. Students, even at the undergraduate level, are learning image documentation techniques and facilitating scholarly study of texts and artifacts in ways that have never been previously available. Keywords: ancient texts; artifacts; imaging technologies; InscriptiFact

Prototypical extensions to the paradigm of spatial search

Two digital library prototypes are presented that utilize non-geographical spatial systems to facilitate access to specialized materials. In one, the spatial system of the rat brain facilitates sharing of neuroscientific information. In the other, ancient documents represent separate spatial systems that integrate imagery of text portions.