dbWiz: Open Source Federated Searching for Academic Libraries

Mah, Calvin and Stranack, Kevin dbWiz: Open Source Federated Searching for Academic Libraries. Library Hi Tech, 2005, vol. 23, n. 4, pp. 490-503. [Journal article (Paginated)]

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English abstract

Faced with the choice between multiple subscription databases, each with a different interface and search functions, and the simplicity of Google, college and university students are increasingly finding their research materials on the open web. Federated searching provides one way that academic libraries can begin to win back some of these novice users, and ensure they are finding the highest quality information available. dbWiz is an open source federated searching tool currently being developed at the Simon Fraser University Library, funded by nine partner post-secondary institutions. This article provides an overview of the dbWiz development process, the functionality of the software, and discusses some of the benefits and challenges faced by the project.

Item type: Journal article (Paginated)
Keywords: Open source software, federated searching, academic libraries
Subjects: L. Information technology and library technology > LJ. Software.
Depositing user: Kevin Stranack
Date deposited: 02 Nov 2006
Last modified: 02 Oct 2014 12:05
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/8322

References

Abram, S. (2005), "The Google opportunity", Library Journal, Vol. 130 No.2, pp.34-5.

Hane, P. (2003), "The truth about federated searching", Information Today, Vol. 20 No.9, pp.24.

Luther, J. (2003), "Trumping Google?, Metasearching's promise", Library Journal, Vol. 128 No.16, pp.36-9.

National Information Standards Organization (2005), Metasearching Initiative, available at: http://www.niso.org/committees/MetaSearch-info.html (accessed 17 March 2005).

Tennant, R. (2003), "The right solution: federated search tools", Library Journal, Vol. 128 No.11, pp.28-9.

Webster, P. (2004a), "Breaking down information silos: integrating online information", Online, Vol. 28 No.6, pp.30-4.

Webster, P. (2004b), "Metasearching in an academic environment", Online, Vol. 28 No.2, pp.20-3.


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