Issues in URL Management for Digital Collections

Caroline Pallone

IC

Cohen, L. (2004). Issues in URL management for digital collections. Information Technology and Libraries, 23(2), 42-49. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/docview/215831747?accountid=10361 

Summary

This article is about a smaller but no less important issue within the digital collection management process for library management, and that is URL management. This is a detailed and difficult but no less vital process, according to Cohen. "The modern library typically maintains a hybrid collection of print -based materials along with digital resources. While standards and practices for maintaining print -based collections have a long history, libraries are faced with a myriad of new issues in the management of networked digital collection" (2004). The author also points out, "URLs come in many formats, and each should be utilized in the appropriate context. A full -or absolute -URL must always be used to link to a file located on a site that is external to the one in which the link is embedded. This type of outbound URL consists of the following structure: protocol://host. second -level -domain.t op -lev el domain:port/localpath/filename" (2004). The reason this is so important, Cohen explains, is because the number of URLS that need maintaining and cataloging is going to be on the rise in the near future as more items are digitized. This will soon become an important part of the job description for librarians, and it needs to be studied and made more apparent for future librarians.

Evaluation

The reason I believe this article is beneficial is because it talks about a more niche but still important market within the library world. It is all encompassing and informative about a subject that many have not heard of, but should be made aware of. The author makes sure that everyone knows by the end that this is not a field where are URLs can be lumped together, but instead each one must be maintained meticulously. The more people that know about this issue within digitizing articles, the better.