The Distributed Agent Architecture of the University of Michigan Digital Library (Extended Abstract)

) William P. Birmingham, Edmund H. Durfee, Tracy Mullen, and Michael P. Wellman Artificial Intelligence Laboratory University of Michigan 1101 Beal Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2110 fwpb,durfee,mullen,wellmang@eecs.umich.edu Abstract We provide an overview of a distributed-agent architecture design for the large-scale digital library environment currently under development at the University of Michigan. This paper presents some of the design principles and techniques underlying our approach, as well as some preliminary observations from our first steps in developing the system. Overview: Diversity in the UMDL One of the most interesting and technically challenging features of digital libraries is diversity---in users, in information sources, and in many other features. For example, user skills, information demands, and level of professional competence will vary greatly among users of digital libraries. Similarly, the collections will vary over many parameters, including breadth an..