A Formal Language for Digital Libraries using Denotational Semantics

We formalize the operation of a digital library using denotational semantics for a language that expresses interaction with a digital library. The formalization defines digital objects and their relationship to their metadata, how digital objects are added and removed from digital library collections, how searching is performed on the collections, and how authored interfaces to collections are created and presented to users. In so doing, we provide an ontology for discussion of the construction and operation of digital libraries—to provide a scientific basis for their design evolution and a tool for their pedagogical manipulation—and compare it to existing digital library designs. Finally, we show how a multidimensional digital library interface may be built from the formal semantics using 4S: sets, streams, spaces, and scenarios.