Abstract

In this thesis I present Noosphere, a system for the collaborative production of digital libraries. Further, I describe the special features of Noosphere which allow it to support mathematical and scientific content, and how it applies an encyclopedic organizational style. I also describe how Noosphere frees the digital library maintainer from a heavy administrative burden by implementing the design pattern of zero content administration. Finally, I discuss evidence showing that Noosphere works and is sustainable, both in the a priori and empirical senses. Acknowledgements First and foremost, I thank my advisor, Dr. Edward A. Fox, for his support of this project, his guidance, and his granting of the benefit of the doubt to this humble master’s student. His proofing of this entire thesis was remarkable in itself. I also thank my other committee members. In specific, I’d like to thank Dr. Rosson for her enthusiasm and support for the entire project, as well as her guidance on the authority models study and the design of the cooperative overlinking prevention system. I also thank Dr. Dunlap for his encouragement and enthusiasm, as well as valuable insights, important references provided, and pointed questions and comments regarding the improvement of this document. In addition, I must thank members of the Digital Library Research Laboratory for their involvement on this and related projects. Words of encouragement, helpful suggestions, and participating in Noosphere-related studies are some such manners of involvement. These people from the DLRL include,

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