When Prospero processes a document, it places the converted file in a directory on a local Web server and sends an email alert to the patron. This authentication system restricts access to a document to the requestor. Any current Web browser can be used to access the server. After authentication, a Web page containing a list of a patron's documents is dynamically generated. The patron initiates the download by selecting the desired document.
Patrons can also delete their documents directly from the Web interface.
Individual libraries can customize many features of the system. For example, Prospero can be configured to remove a document automatically from the system after a specific number of viewings or after a certain number of days. Each library can customize these parameters to comply with local copyright interpretations. All configuration files can be modified using a simple text editor. Prospero, developed at the John A. Prior Health Sciences Library, Ohio State University, is an open source product distributed under GNU public license.