Abstract: A web-based system, method and program product are provided for searching a content object (e.g., a custom compilation or prepublished work) stored in a data repository as a group of hierarchically related content entities. Each noncontainer content object is stored as a separate entity in the data repository. Each content entity is also stored as a row in a digital library index class as a collection of attributes and references to related content entities and containers. Each noncontainer content object is preferably stored as a separate entity in the data repository. Each content entity is also stored as a row in a digital library index class as a collection of attributes and references to related content entities. Each container and noncontainer is associated with a unique identifier that includes hierarchical information about its position in the hierarchy. Queries are executed on the hierarchical containers and noncontainers through an application or user-interface.