Previous page : eRRA - The eReading Reference Architecture

eReading contents is Digital contents. Therefore it has a lifecycle which looks like the Digital content lifecycle. The lifecycle is represented as a series of processes which are inter-related.

The selection process
The first step is to select what will become an eReading object. For example, a paper book can be chosen in a collection on order to become an eBook.

The creation process
This step concerns the creation of the contents. An eBook is written with Sigil, an iPad application is developed, newspaper articles are written...

The Description process
When the contents is created, one needs to describe it. Meta-data must be created in order to describe the contents. For example an eBook can have a title, an author, a summary, a video with an interview of the author...

The Management process
Once all required information have been collected for the eReading object, it will be placed in a Management system such that it can be stored and retrieved from a central place. Note it could be placed in the management system as from the creation process to enable reviews for instance.

The Preservation process
When eReading data and meta-data are well managed, they can easily be preserved by backup and archiving systems.

The publication process
When the contents is ready, the publication process allows to distribute the contents over the required distribution channels.

The Discovery process
When the eReading contents has been published, mechanisms must allow readers to find this contents. For example, one can search a library and find an eBook that matches. This process must answer the question : "how will readers find out about my contents ?"

The Acquisition process
Once a reader has found contents that suits him, he will get the contents by downloading it, optionally after a purchase. Depending on contents protection policies the contents will be subject to Digital Rights Management (DRM) or not. This is the place to be for eCommerce systems.

The eReading process
Once the contents is acquires, the reader can read it.

The Socialization process
Social Networking platforms can interact with the publication, the discovery, eReading and creation process.  First, at publication time Social networks can be used to create a Buzz allowing readers to discover the contents. At eReading time, the reader can share his comments on the contents via Social Networking platforms. Those comments can also be used by subsequent creation processes. For example by asking the users what they would like to know next around the contents subject.