ALTO (Analyzed Layout and Text Object) is a XML Schema that details technical metadata for describing the layout and content of physical text resources, such as pages of a book or a newspaper. It most commonly serves as an extension schema used within the Metadata Encoding and Transmission Schema (METS) administrative metadata section. However, ALTO instances can also exist as a standalone document used independently of METS.
textMD is a XML Schema maintained by the Library of Congress that details technical metadata for text-based digital objects. It allows for detailing properties such as encoding information (quality, platform, software, agent), character information (character set and size, byte order and size, line terminators), languages, fonts, markup information, processing and textual notes, technical requirements for printing and viewing, and page ordering and sequencing.
The California Digital Library (CDL) is pleased to announce the availability of an extensive self-guided tutorial for its eXtensible Text Framework (XTF) application (http://xtf.wiki.sourceforge.net/). XTF is an open source, highly customizable piece of software supporting the search, browse, and display of heterogeneous digital content and offering efficient and practical methods for creating customized end-user interfaces for distinct digital collections. The tutorial provides guidance for implementing and customizing XTF, from core functionality to overall look and feel. Downloads for the Mac and Windows operating systems (http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=119724) are available from the XTF Project page on SourceForge (http://sourceforge.net/projects/xtf/), along with the complete distribution and documentation.