Working assumptions about the digital library

Abstract

As a first step towards the design of the testbed for the Stanford Integrated Digital Library Project, we are working to create an explicit shared understanding of our key assumptions. These assumptions lay a foundation for choosing our system's framework (the architecture, platforms and tools); for the detailed design work needed to build interfaces, protocols and program specifications; and finally for the implementation of code. They are not decisions about specific design choices, but statements of criteria and concerns that will shape the decisions we make in defining and designing the project.