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