CS 502 Architecture of Web Information Systems Spring 2003 Carl Lagoze Mon-Wed 1:25-2:15 Mon 7:30-8:30 (section) 3 credit hours

This course examines the tools and techniques for building and managing distributed information systems within the context of the World Wide Web. Throughout the semester we will examine the technical, economic, legal, and social issues in establishing higher levels of organization and management on Web resources.   The topics examined are areas of active research in the computer science, Web, and information science communities, underlying efforts to create a new generation of digital libraries.  Current work on the NSF-funded National Science Digital Library (http://www.nsdl.org) will motivate many of the investigations during the semester.

The major themes of the course are:

• the cost and functionality issues of centralized  information environments such as traditional libraries versus decentralized environments like the Web
• the opportunities for exploiting raw computing power and intelligent algorithms and architectures to efficiently organize and manage distributed information at a low cost
• the role of people in managing distributed information systems and the effect of those systems on organizations and people

Course work will include both traditional project-based assignments to build expertise with basic toolsets and techniques, and critical review of readings that cover a range of contextual areas.

• NOTICES

• Logistics
• Code of practice
• Syllabus
• Readings and references
• Projects