Abstract: A distributed directory management system includes a plurality of service spaces on a network each having an object repository storing service objects to be retrieved and attribute information pieces thereof. A service object managing mechanism for each service space manages the object repository and executes retrieval of a service object using the attribute information piece as a key. A service space connection managing mechanism for each service space implements message communication with the service object managing mechanisms to collect mutual connection information of the service spaces and manages the collected mutual connection information. A service object retrieval managing mechanism for each service space sends a retrieval message from a user to the service object managing mechanism in the same service space to request execution of retrieval of a service object.