Over the years, there has been the need to improve the level of services provided by traditional libraries in the areas of resource accessibility and management. This is in a bid to address the challenges and inconveniences in accessing and managing the library resources. A viable means of achieving this purpose is by deployment of digital libraries. In this project, a digital library prototype based on cloud computing will be developed to demonstrate the viability of deploying and running cloud based digital libraries in Nigerian higher institutions, to curb the challenges encountered in accessing resources in traditional libraries by providing ubiquitous access to library resources.
Developing the digital library will comprise of two design phases viz; developing the library website and designing a local intranet on which the website will be hosted. The website will be developed using web scripting and programming languages such as Hypertext Mark-Up Language (HTML), JavaScript, and Hypertext Pre-Processor (PHP) etc. while the local intranet is a network of computers and other Wi-Fi enabled digital devices and a wireless access point. The network will be configured and the digital library website hosted on a dedicated server which provides services to the user devices through the access point.
At the end of this project, a prototype of cloud based digital library will be developed. On the library website, users can perform basic operations such as registering with the library and viewing the content of materials in the library collections. While the library administrator performs functions of book uploads and user authentication. This project, though demonstrated as a prototype, shows that deploying cloud based digital libraries in Nigerian higher institution will curb the challenges associated with traditional libraries.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Research Aims and Objectives:
1.4 Justification of the work
1.5 Scope of the Work
1.6 Organization of the Work
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE RIVIEW
2.1 Overview of Digital Libraries
2.2 Challenges of Digital Libraries
2.2.1 Technological Challenges
2.2.2 Poor Technical Know-How
2.2.3 Security Issues
2.3 Addressing the Challenges of Digital Libraries
2.4 Cloud Computing Technology
2.4.1 Software as a Service (SaaS)
2.4.2 Platform as a Service (PaaS)
2.4.3 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
2.4.4 Private Cloud
2.4.5 Community Cloud
2.4.6 Public Cloud
2.4.7 Hybrid Cloud
2.4.8 Stakeholders in Cloud Computing
2.5 Virtualization
2.5.1 Properties of Virtual Machines
2.6 Summary of Related Works
2.6.1 Design and Implementation of a Web-Based Personal Digital Library
2.6.2 Constructing Digital Library Information Platform Based On Cloud Computing
2.6.3 Content Oriented Smart Education System Based on Cloud computing
2.6.4 Model Based Approach to Implement Cloud Computing in E-Governance
2.6.5 A Fuzzy Mathematical Model for Performance Testing in Cloud Computing
2.7 Research gaps
2.8 Proposed system
CHAPTER THREE DESIGN METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Methodology
3.1.1 Water-fall Model
3.2 Wireless Network Design
3.2.1 Network Design Considerations
3.2.2 Network Equipment
3.2.3 Network Design Architecture
3.2.4 Wireless Network Configuration
3.2.5 Network Security and Access Control
3.3 Digital Library Web Development
3.3.1 Website Design architecture
3.4 Programming Languages and Methods
3.4.1 Programming Languages
3.4.2 Programming Methods
CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Result Analysis
4.1.1 Connecting to the network and login in to the Website
4.1.2 Basic Operations on Library website
CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Limitations Encountered
5.3 Recommendations
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary aim of this project is to develop a cloud computing-based digital library prototype to address the limitations of traditional library systems by providing ubiquitous, hands-on access to information resources. The research focuses on streamlining library management and improving user accessibility through modern web technologies.
- Deployment of a cloud-based digital library model on a local server.
- Implementation of wireless networking and security protocols for distributed access.
- Evaluation of SaaS and IaaS service models for library operations.
- Development of a web-based user interface for efficient resource management and retrieval.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the study
Conventional library is a place in which books, manuscripts, literary and artistic materials are kept for use but not for sale [1]. In effect, it is an institution oriented towards collection and custody of information and research materials where people can make use of these facilities. On the other hand, a digital library is a computer-based system for acquiring, storing, organizing, searching and distributing digital materials for end users access. It is not network-based, but designed to be capable of being attached to a network – the internet or the cloud [2].
But in recent times, traditional libraries have played a vital role in human, scientific and technological development as it is the center for information sharing and research. Libraries provides academic institutions, students, researchers, private and public organizations and agencies with a myriad of information which has been of tremendous help in solving scientific, technological and humanitarian problems.
Despite the benefits derived from library resources and facilities, often times, users are faced with difficulties in utilizing these resources, which included poor access time; distance from user location etc. hence the need to devise a means of providing users with hands-on access to these facilities. Cloud computing paradigm could essentially offer a viable alternative in this case.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an overview of the study, highlighting the limitations of traditional libraries and the potential of cloud computing as a viable alternative for managing digital resources.
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE RIVIEW: This section reviews existing literature on digital library models, cloud computing technologies, virtualization and identifies research gaps in the field.
CHAPTER THREE DESIGN METHODOLOGY: This chapter describes the sequential waterfall model used to design the digital library, including network architecture, hardware setup, and web development techniques.
CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The implementation results are presented, focusing on the functionality of the client-side user interface and the server-side database configuration.
CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: This final chapter concludes that a cloud-based digital library is feasible and provides recommendations for future research regarding data security and independent institution operation.
Keywords
Digital Library, Cloud Computing, Wireless Networking, Virtualization, Web Development, SaaS, IaaS, Information Management, Database, User Interface, Network Security, WAMP Server, Resource Allocation, Data Retrieval, Library Automation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on leveraging cloud computing to transition from traditional library processes to a digital library model that provides ubiquitous, on-demand access to educational resources.
What are the main thematic areas of this work?
Key themes include cloud computing service models (SaaS, IaaS), digital library architecture, wireless network configuration, and server-side database management.
What is the research goal of this project?
The primary goal is to develop and demonstrate the workability of a prototype cloud-based digital library that addresses traditional issues such as poor access time and physical distance.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The project adopts the waterfall model of qualitative research design, progressing through stages of conception, analysis, design, development, and implementation.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the literature review of digital library technologies, the design and implementation of the network and web interface, and the analysis of the resulting database functionality.
Which keywords best describe this study?
The study is characterized by keywords like Digital Library, Cloud Computing, Virtualization, Network Security, and Information Management.
Why is virtualization considered essential in this project?
Virtualization is core to cloud computing; it allows the partitioning of physical server resources into multiple virtual machines, facilitating scalability and efficient service delivery.
How does the project handle network security?
The project employs WPA-2 encryption for wireless access and activates a Windows Firewall to protect the local server against unauthorized access and malicious software.
- Quote paper
- Chimdi Walter Ndubuisi (Author), 2016, Development of a Digital Library based on Cloud Computing Model, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/452135
