Abstract: A heterogeneous information system such as a digital library often uses a database manager together with other data resource manager(s), such as an object server or a video server, to manage digital content. Such a system often needs to maintain an application-specific database and/or to handle application-specific operational requirements. To facilitate system integration and application development, an application-independent reusable product is created which generates a custom system component or utility, such as a loader, according to a specification provided by a system integrator or an application developer.