The digital library manifesto

The term 'Digital Libraries' corresponds to a very complex notion with several diverse aspects and cannot be captured by a simple definition. A comprehensive representation of Digital Libraries encapsulating all potential perspectives is required. This has led to the drafting of 'The Digital Library Manifesto', whose aim is to set the foundations and identify the cornerstone concepts within the universe of Digital Libraries, facilitating the integration of research and proposing better ways of developing appropriate systems. The 'Digital Library Manifesto' exploits the collective understanding that has been acquired on Digital Libraries by several previous efforts by European research groups active in the Digital Library field for many years, both within the DELOS Network of Excellence and outside, as well as by other groups around the world. Its role is one of a springboard for future work.