MetaSearchMetaSearch

…bringing wider access to digital libraries and electronic information

Dr Peter Noerr

CTO, MuseGlobal, Inc.

OutlineOutline

Overview of Metasearch Definitions Functions and capabilities

Benefits Possible applications Providing wider access

Overview - Overview - functionalityfunctionality

Simultaneous searching Combined results Search mapping Record formatting Post-search Processing Portals and customisation

MetaSearch is standards basedMetaSearch is standards based

Search protocols: http, Z39.50, SIPII, NCIP, OpenURL, SQL, XML, SOAP, etc.

record formats: MARC, Dublin Core, XML, HTML, UNICODE

profiles: Bath, Z-Texas, US National, etc. Transactions: LDAP, Telnet, etc.

Metasearch benefitsMetasearch benefits

• Single user interface• Vastly improved subject coverage• Reduced time and workload• Accepted by Content Provider partners• Integrates with existing systems• Low computer requirements

Possibilities and OpportunitiesPossibilities and Opportunities

Regulatory - Patent, regulation ,standard , best practice

Education - Textbook, e-journal, courseware, reference

Corporate - Report, email, product info, business data

Research - Literature, report, patent, databank

Medical - Patient record, drug data, best practice, terminology

Wider accessWider access

Ease of use– One interface to learn– Consistent result format– Standardised functionality operation– Multi-lingual search and results– Multi-lingual interface

Wider accessWider access

Broadcast search– No changing targets– Single seach language– Single authentication– Simultaneous searching

Wider accessWider access

Data Transmission– One search page, one results page– Server handles heavy traffic– Low bandwidth to user is possible– Agreements with Content Providers for special

efficient searching

Wider accessWider access

Reduced search time (typically 50%)– Makes better use of scarce computers

Heavy traffic on server– Can use low bandwidth (dial-up) locally

Single interface– Ease of use for novice users

Customised interface– Adapted to local population and users

Thank YouThank You

www.museglobal.com

pnoerr@museglobal.com

+1 (801) 208 1882