Building a Distributed Digital Library System Enhancing the Role of Metadata

In this work we present a methodology that maps a tree data structure in a nested sets organization; the aim of this methodology is to provide an effective and efficient way to manage and exchange descriptive archival metadata in a distributed environment. We consider archival metadata as a basis for our study because of their challenging nature and the management and exchange difficulties they present. Furthermore, we describe a distributed Digital Library System (DLS) architecture that would successfully apply the designed methodology.We also introduce future investigations concerning the definition of nested sets organization as an alternative way to manage hierarchical data.