Electronic Library Projects
Development of Electronic Library foundation System
Purposes of development
The purposes of systems developed by means of the electronic library information system are as follows:
(1) To support services and operations implemented by the NDL
(2) To provide electronic library services through the NDL
(3) To realize coordinated services and operations in facilities distributed among the Tokyo Main Library, the "Kansai-kan" Library and the International Library of Children's Literature. In particular, the system will be developed so that the Tokyo Main Library and the "Kansai-kan" Library can function as one.
System functions
The purpose of the electronic library information system is not simply to provide electronic library service. It is intended to serve as a systematic foundation for the National Diet Library, providing a basis for support of conventional services and operations and for efficient provision of expanded services. It is on this same systematic foundation that electronic library services will be provided.
Among the functions which make up the system are the following: functions for coordinated compilation and provision of diverse catalog information drawn up by the NDL; functions for network linkage of facilities disbursed geographically and for seamless mutual cooperation among them; functions for coordinated provision of all types of data including primary information; and functions for suitable guidance to information resources provided by institutions inside and outside Japan as well as to NDL information resources.
Development circumstances and schedules
Following a preliminary survey undertaken over some two years, the system was started in 1998. Progressive construction of the system is scheduled to be undertaken from 1999 to the year 2002. The system will be expanded in stages; user needs will be evaluated in the years 2003 and 2004, and high-level functions will be added.