Creating and managing XML with open source software

Abstract

Purpose

To review a number of open source XML applications and systems including editors, validators, native XML databases, and publishing systems; to describe how some of these tools have been combined by the author to create a specific system, for a specific need.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of XML is provided, a number of open source XML applications/systems are reviewed, and a system created by the author using some of these tools is described.

Findings

The open source tools for working with XML are maturing, and they provide the means for the library profession to easily publish library content on the internet, using open standards.

Originality/value

XML provides an agreed upon way of turning data into information. The result is non‐proprietary and application independent. Open source software operates under similar principles. An understanding and combination of these technologies can assist the library profession in meeting its goals in this era of globally networked computers and changing user expectations.

Citation

Lease Morgan, E. (2005), "Creating and managing XML with open source software", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 526-540. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510636328