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Conclusions

In this paper we presented a novel approach for organizing distributed digital libraries by using a system of self-organizing maps. In our approach, different portions of a digital library that may reside on different sites are independently organized by self-organizing maps. These individual maps may be integrated in order to provide an overview picture of the information contained in the digital library. We suggested that the integration of low level maps should be based on the various weight vectors representing groups of documents. Such an integration, however, is not restricted to complete maps. The user may equally well define areas of interest that cover just portions of low level maps. These areas can then be integrated by using the very same integration process. The benefit for the user of such a distributed digital library is that she may define her own personal library that reflects her particular interests.



Andreas RAUBER
1998-09-10