Open Archives Initiative (OAI)

 

DTIC launched its Open Archives Initiative (OAI), providing broader access to information in DTIC's collection. OAI is an international effort focused on furthering the interoperability of digital libraries and its objective is to develop a framework to make it easier to find content stored in distributed archives.

 

Currently, much authoritative information resides on the "deep Web," comprised of content-rich databases from universities, libraries, associations, businesses and government agencies, including DTIC. In most cases, this information cannot be found using commercial search engines such as Google, Yahoo and AltaVista, to name a few.

 

Although not required by OAI protocol, DTIC uses its Handle Service to provide a link between the metadata and related content. Handles preserve access to electronic resources on the Web, ensuring their availability over time and changing data formats.