From cuneiform to digital text encodings
OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives
ISSN: 1065-075X
Article publication date: 22 August 2008
Abstract
Purpose
This column aims to examine the role of text encoding, specifically Unicode, in modern digital library applications. It also seeks to examine the technical aspects of Unicode and how they impact those applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This column is simply exploratory, and examines issues regarding Unicode, text encoding in general, and what librarians should be aware of concerning technical aspects of the Unicode standard.
Findings
The paper finds that Unicode is the bedrock of all metadata in modern digital library applications. An awareness of how to identify and perform conversions on that data is critical to the support of these applications. Many aspects of functionality in forthcoming information resource tools will rely upon a familiarity with the technical aspects of Unicode.
Originality/value
This column explains the salient technical features of Unicode for those who may not be familiar with its inner workings. It also takes into account the impact text encoding has on the functionality of modern library applications.
Keywords
Citation
Fox, R. (2008), "From cuneiform to digital text encodings", OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 140-147. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650750810898165
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited