Socio-technical interaction networks as a tool for understanding digital libraries

In this paper, we propose that the Socio-Technical Interaction Network (STIN) model is a useful concept to use when studying digital libraries. We extend the model to bring people into the STIN by incorporating the concept of enrollment strategies. Three different types of enrollment strategies are described that differ according to the kinds of interaction they require. The STIN model is then used to analyze the Library of Congress' American Memory Project, which, by many measures, is a successful digital library. Three examples of enrollment strategies used in the American Memory Project are described. The paper concludes with an argument that this version of the STIN model can help us understand how successful digital libraries work.