Geometry of spaces of compact operators (Q942042)

Let \({\mathcal K}(X,Y)\) denote the space of all compact operators between Banach spaces \(X\) and \(Y\). A Banach space \(X\) is called compactly locally reflexive if \({\mathcal K}(Y,X^{**})\subseteq{\mathcal K}(Y,X)^{**}\) for all reflexive Banach spaces \(Y\). The authors give a list of equivalent formulations of this property and show that \(X^*\) has the approximation property if and only if \(X\) has the approximation property and is compactly locally reflexive. The weak metric approximation property was introduced by \textit{Å.\,Lima} and \textit{E.\,Oja} [Math.\ Ann.\ 333, No.\,3, 471--484 (2005; Zbl 1097.46012)]. In the present paper, the authors investigate two weak compact versions of this property. If \(X\) is compactly locally reflexive, then these two properties coincide. The paper is concluded with some interesting open problems.