In general, the books in the Intersect Digital Library
are made up of two broad types of objects: the source text
of the book and a collection of resources that assist readers
comprehend the text. The different types of Resources are described
below. Most books contain only some of the resource types.
Translational Resources translate keys into some other form
of expression. Examples include rewriting the key into different or
simpler language (this includes defining the key), voicing or sounding
the key, or translating the key into another language such as Spanish
or American Sign Language (ASL). In general, translational resources
substitute for the key.
Illustrative Resources include all resources providing examples,
comparisons, illustrations, and visualizations. Illustrative resources
are often, but not exclusively, multimedia objects.
Secondary Resources contain information related to, but not
strictly necessary for comprehension of the source text. This will
include sidebars; enrichment material, historical references, and
references to other parts of the text.
Summarizing Resources provide readers with overviews, summaries,
outlines, or abbreviations of the basic text. These can be used to
illustrate the global structures of the text, to allow readers to
easily distinguish between basic concepts and supporting details,
and/or to illustrate relationships.
Instructional Resources are activities or guidance for readers
designed to engage them in actively manipulating the words, concepts
and information from the text. These resources can range from simple
reminders to sophisticated tutoring systems. Examples include directions
and reminders; comprehension monitoring questions; practice in skills;
and instructional presentations (i.e. CAI); mentoring.
Collaborative Resources support collaboration among readers,
enabling them to read the same document simultaneously and communicate
with each other about their reading. Most often this involves communication
via a network.
Notational Resources provide the reader with writing, drawing
or other tools so that they can take notes while they read and study
the text.
General Resources. Most of the resources described above are
designed to be context specific. That is, they are linked directly
to the words and concepts of a specific body of text. General Purpose
resources are not. They comprise the generalized information sources
such as databases, encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference lists, etc.
that might support any number of documents
Structural Resources allow readers to view, navigate and manipulate
the text and its resources.
