Etymonline: From etymological dictionary to an online digital library : Utilizing LIS notions in converting a database to a DL

The thesis explores the hypothetical turning of an online database of etymology into an online digital library. The reader will be introduced with the principles that constitute a library, as opposed to other sources of information and knowledge, and the contemporary attributes of having those available online. The thesis argues that by separating metadata from entries and storing it separately, users would be able to gain more information per search, as well as browse through other etymological data in the area of their interest. The methodology employed is that of characterizing each entry according to categories, each of which composed of various possible tags that fit the existing corpus of entries. A search is then made possible according to specific entry (as is the case currently in the Etymonline database), as well as specific category, specific tag, or any combination of those. These added features also enable random browsing of the collection and the deducing of other etymological ties or points of interest. Though not without flaws, the suggested methodology proves to retrieve more hits upon searching for a specific attribute of words or related ties to specific entries. Flaws, restrictions and limitations, as well as functions that were not attempted but could improve user experience further, are discussed. The thesis stresses the importance of searching and browsing functions and their contribution to future etymological research, by using the available information as it is provided in Etymonline.com., in the structure of a DL instead of a database