Defining digital library

Abstract

This paper reflects on the range of the definitions of digital libraries demonstrating their extent. We analyze a number of definitions through a simplified intensional definition method, through which we exploit the nature of the definitions by analyzing their respective genera and attributes. The goal of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the works related to definitions of digital library, giving a fine-grained comparative approach on these definitions. We conclude that, although there are a large number of definitions, they are defined in overlapping families and attributes, and an inclusive definition is possible. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.