Digital library of the Caribbean: a user‐centric model for technology development in collaborative digitization projects

Abstract

Purpose -The paper aims to describe the technological approach used by the Digital Library of the Caribbean project to build an international collaborative library across many separate institutions with varying degrees of expertise, technological abilities, and motivations. Design methodology/approach -Several methodologies were employed which helped build the successful collaborative effort. A freely-distributed digitization toolkit was developed to assist with tracking and digitization of the distributed resources. In addition, on-site training was provided for most partners and was open for anyone in the area to attend. Progress and sustainability were ensured by making this development process integral with the University of Florida Digital Collections initiative and by continuing to perform usability studies on the web presence. The strong emphasis on branding and presenting the same data within differently branded interfaces in the web presence encouraged greater participation of international partners. Findings-Digital Library of the Caribbean (dLOC), a joint project of the University of Florida, University of Virgin Islands and Florida International University in partnership with institutions in the Caribbean and circum-Caribbean, serves as the access point for scholars, students and citizens of interdisciplinary Caribbean and circum-Caribbean research, gathers together a critical mass of cultural, historical and research materials originally held in archives, libraries and private collections. This unique digital library provides content submitted directly from dLOC partners and members and allows users to browse materials or search the text through multilingual interfaces. Each of these items are generated in distributed manner by each of the partners, and then submitted to a central server. This pattern has worked quite well in a region where constant internet access is often lacking. An emphasis on partner needs, such as institutional branding, has greatly contributed to the success of this project. Involving partners in the process of usability studies, as well as conducting internal usability studies, have also assisted in the creation of a successful project web interface. Practical implications (if applicable) -One concrete practical implication is the availability of a standards-based digitization toolkit, which can be freely used by non-members as well as members. Findings also suggest a course for digital library development in collaborative ventures. In addition, this case shows the benefits of the recurring, iterative process of performing usability studies during the development phase. Originality / Value -This paper has value for anyone looking to build collaboration in under-represented regions. Article Type: Case study

Sustaining multilinguality: case studies of two multilingual digital libraries

“…This resulted in the creation of SobekCM digital library and digital repository software in 2005. SobekCM, “an open source software with a METS-based presentation layer built over a Greenstone core” (Sullivan and Ochoa, 2009, p. 256), was used by more than 100 digital libraries and digital repositories worldwide. The dLOC system has been maintained by the UF Digital Service Center.…”

“…C ollaboration . In discussing dLOC’s development, Wooldridge et al (2009) and Sullivan and Ochoa (2009) attributed its success to collaboration. Content selection . Most multilingual digital libraries faced the challenge of content selection, as their digital contents came from diverse countries and cultures.…”

“…C ollaboration . In discussing dLOC’s development, Wooldridge et al (2009) and Sullivan and Ochoa (2009) attributed its success to collaboration.…”

The Role of Collaboration in Innovation and Value Creation in the Aviation Industry

“…In the selection of strategic partners, reputation is of great importance, particularly in the context of innovation, to enable trust, credibility and to integrate capabilities due to the existing experience and technology path dependence involved (Arthur, 1989; Li et al, 2015; Liang et al, 2019). Besides, all parties’ intentions and necessities should be mutually aligned (Mandal, 2006; Sullivan & Ochoa, 2009). In April 2018, SIA announced a partnership with Plug and Play Travel and Hospitality Programme, a well-known platform based start-up innovation, to promote creativity and innovation using digital solutions (Singapore Airlines, 2020).…”

“…An emphasis on culture and compatibility in a collaboration contributes to innovation, where cultural proximity or cognitive adaptation leads to better transfer and exploitation of knowledge produced (Ivascu et al, 2016). Trust, commitment and a willingness to share knowledge bring practical implications to collaborations, enabling lower risk and increasing absorptive capacity (Simons et al, 2011;Sullivan & Ochoa, 2009;van Burg & van Oorschot, 2013). Also, collaborations are very dependent on the motivation of those involved; improving efforts between the parties leads to successful innovation (Ribeiro & Nagano, 2018;Romano et al, 2010).…”