New dimensions of an ancient library: The Library of Alexandria

摘要

In our paper we would like to present a three-dimensional model of a virtual library created by exploiting the capabilities of the Virtual Collaboration Arena (VIRCA) system. Based on the classification system elaborated by Callimachus we focus on the field of Greek poetry and drama in the 3rd century BC, and select some illustrious ancient authors and texts for the content of a virtual library. In order that the presented content should be appropriately searchable we attach certain (verbal and/or multimedia) metadata to the English translation of the selected ancient Greek texts and using them to form a well-searchable spatial hypertext system. In addition to our three dimensional virtual library model, we have created its hypertext (two-dimensional) representation which can further emphasize the additional features that the three dimensional representation provides for us. Finally we outline the possible improvements of the system which indicate the creative potentials and hidden assets that lie in the construction of a library system of this type.