Just like regular libraries need access policies for users, so do digital libraries. They are constrained by copyright laws, and other requirements. This model is a dynamic model, allowing policies to change for users as required. The policy information is stored as metadata and is not implemented until the user attempts to access it, and the user must be authenticated. Different types of users (faculty, student) will have different policies, and the material in the library will have different policies (general, reserve, reference) depending on the role of the user. The operation for each type of material for each type of user will change. You can then create a policy table from these things.
Having a good user interface is vital to allowing these policies to be maintained without irritating the user. The user should not be bombarded with many requests for authentication, passwords, and other nonsense. It should appear as seamless as possible.
This article was a good set of guidelines for having good access management. It is important to balance the need to uphold copyright laws and the need to provide a good experience to the user. This seems to find that balance.
Lesk Ch 9
This chapter was informative and interesting on a number of levels. First of all, it presents this economic issues that digital libraries are facing in a very clear, straightforward way. It does this while also addressing the economic issues facing all libraries in the modern world: increasing cost of journal subscriptions, whether or not to only offer digital subscriptions, and the constant need to prove one's worth to the umbrella organization, despite the fact that the library brings in very little money. It discusses these things simply with plenty of explanation and examples. It is a good chapter for understanding library economics.
Arms Ch. 6
This chapter discussed many of the same things that Lesk did, dealing with the economic framework of a digital library. The interesting part of this ocmpared to Lesk was the discussion of the legal issues related to digital libraries, particularly in terms of copyright. We have had copyright laws for a long time, but they've come into a new light since the advent of the digital age. Libraries and publishers are still trying to work out what is a good way to charge for these things, and how to appease everyone.
Personally, I like the idea of paying for it using advertisement. As browsers and languages have become more advanced, it is possible to have less obtrusive advertising. Plenty of bloggers support themselves by including advertising, and it is becoming less stigmatized to do so. I see nothing wrong with a free institution support its product with advertising, as long as it is appropriate and not annoying.
Arms Ch 7
This chapter discussed many of the same topics that the first article did: access management. However, Arms went into greater detail about the protocol for access management, as well as delving into the world of digital library security and encryption. If you are going to try to restrict access to the materials in a digital library, you need to make sure that it is difficult for some one to illegally access them without authorization. Understanding encryption is necessary.
In closing, here is an insanely happy puppy frolicking through the field.
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