Search (97 results, page 2 of 5)

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Abstract

OPAC Network in Europe (ONE) is a project aimed at providing users with better ways to access library OPACs and national catalogues and which will stimulate and facilitate internetworking between libraries in Europe. The project is based on SR/Z39.50 standards which enable users to search widely different computer systems across networks and offer end users the promise of greater ease of use through a solution to the proliferation of different user interfaces to library catalogues

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a

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Abstract

The objective of the European Library (TEL) project [TEL] was to set up a co-operative framework and specify a system for integrated access to the major collections of the European national libraries. This has been achieved by successfully applying a new approach for search and retrieval via URLs (SRU) [ZiNG] combined with a new metadata paradigm. One aim of the TEL approach is to have a low barrier of entry into TEL, and this has driven our choice for the technical solution described here. The solution comprises portal and client functionality running completely in the browser, resulting in a low implementation barrier and maximum scalability, as well as giving users control over the search interface and what collections to search. In this article we will describe, step by step, the development of both the search and retrieval architecture and the metadata infrastructure in the European Library project. We will show that SRU is a good alternative to the Z39.50 protocol and can be implemented without losing investments in current Z39.50 implementations. The metadata model being used by TEL is a Dublin Core Application Profile, and we have taken into account that functional requirements will change over time and therefore the metadata model will need to be able to evolve in a controlled way. We make this possible by means of a central metadata registry containing all characteristics of the metadata in TEL. Finally, we provide two scenarios to show how the TEL concept can be developed and extended, with applications capable of increasing their functionality by "learning" new metadata or protocol options.

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a

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Abstract

The British Library is currently progressing several projects involving Z39.50 and SR standards. The Network OPAC trial service is being extended for a further year and the user base broadened. Future applications of Z39.50 currently being investigated include access from Z39.50 clients developed by other suppliers; a virtual database to cover all the library's diverse catalogues; and a national distributed bibliographic database

Type

a

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Abstract

User demands to have access to complete and actual information about research may require integration of data from different CRISs. CRISs are rarely homogenous systems and problems of CRISs integration must be addressed from technological point of view. Implementation of CRIS providing access to heterogeneous data distributed among a number of CRISs is described. A few technologies - distributed databases, web services, semantic web are used for distributed CRIS to address different user requirements. Distributed databases serve to implement very efficient integration of homogenous systems, web services - to provide open access to research information, semantic web - to solve problems of integration semantically and structurally heterogeneous data sources and provide intelligent data retrieval interfaces. The problems of data completeness in distributed systems are addressed and CRIS-adequate solution for data completeness is suggested.

Source

Gaining insight from research information (CRIS2002): Proceedings of the 6th International Conference an Current Research Information Systems, University of Kassel, August 29 - 31, 2002. Eds: W. Adamczak u. A. Nase

Type

a

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Abstract

Purpose - To describe the process and results of the business-planning workpackage of The European Library (TEL) project, in which eight national libraries collaborated on a joint approach to access to their digital libraries. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology was in three parts: first, a literature review and the mapping of the partners' existing and planned digital products and services, then a structured interview or survey to determine the partners' business requirements from TEL, then a harmonization process, and finally the results were then combined with normal business planning elements to produce a mission and final business plan. Findings - Business planning for digital libraries has hitherto not been widely reported. The methodology proved to be an effective method of achieving mutual agreement among partners with widely different aims and characteristics. Eleven harmonized service aspirations were agreed and five categories of business aims. Research limitations/implications - Focused on the business aims of national libraries, but the methodology can be relevant to other collaborative projects. Together with the few existing other reports, this can form the basis for a new field of work. Practical implications - The work described led directly to the creation of an operational service, which will be open to all European national libraries. Originality/value - As far as is known, the first reporting of a collaborative international planning process for a digital library, and maybe the first multi-partner business plan between national libraries.

Type

a

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Abstract

This article describes two approaches for searching heterogeneous resources, which are explained as they are used in two corresponding existing systems-RIRS (Resource Integration Retrieval System) and HRUSP (Heterogeneous Resource Union Search Platform). On analyzing the existing systems, a possible framework-the MUSP (Multimetadata-Based Union Search Platform) is presented. Libraries now face a dilemma. On one hand, libraries subscribe to many types of database retrieval systems that are produced by various providers. The libraries build their data and information systems independently. This results in highly heterogeneous and distributed systems at the technical level (e.g., different operating systems and user interfaces) and at the conceptual level (e.g., the same objects are named using different terms). On the other hand, end users want to access all these heterogeneous data via a union interface, without having to know the structure of each information system or the different retrieval methods used by the systems. Libraries must achieve a harmony between information providers and users. In order to bridge the gap between the service providers and the users, it would seem that all source databases would need to be rebuilt according to a uniform data structure and query language, but this seems impossible. Fortunately, however, libraries and information and technology providers are now making an effort to find a middle course that meets the requirements of both data providers and users. They are doing this through resource integration.

Type

a

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Abstract

Examines the use of the Z39.50 Information Retrieval protocol for provision of access to its collections. Z39.50 offers a translation of different search engines developed by library systems suppliers and online database hosts. Traces its development and describes its abstraction and metalanguage, and the TCP/IP and OSI layer. It is being further developed in project ONE - OPAC Network in Europe, and European Union Library Plan project which began in Jan 95, of which the British Library is a partner. It aims to link national library catalogues in an open standards and telecommunications network, and to achieve interoperability by use of Z39.50. Describes the project so far, agreements made, and future developments

Footnote

Contribution to a special issue devoted in part to improving access to British library treasures

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a

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Abstract

A multi-database model of distributed information retrieval is presented, in which people are assumed to have access to many searchable text databases. In such an environment, full-text information retrieval consists of discovering database contents, ranking databases by their expected ability to satisfy the query, searching a small number of databases, and merging results returned by different databases. This paper presents algorithms for each task. It also discusses how to reorganize conventional test collections into multi-database testbeds, and evaluation methodologies for multi-database experiments. A broad and diverse group of experimental results is presented to demonstrate that the algorithms are effective, efficient, robust, and scalable

Type

a

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Abstract

Subject-based retrieval in distributed resources is a current problem in online searches for bibliographic references. Building portals to similar resources is only the ferst step, the subsequent navigation via different search interfaces presents certain difficulties. To make retrieval easier it is necessary to adapt these different resources. Potential approaches (standardisation as opposed to "cross-walks") and methods (automated as opposed to intellectual effort) will be discussed. This includes a Brief appraisal of the future of work with multilingual terminology: - The "classical" approach (Multilingual Thesauri), - The "Internet" approach (linking) Recent developments in mono- and multilingual environments will be presented (MACS, CARMEN, Economics Crosswalk).

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a

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Abstract

This article discusses the emergence of distributed library services drawing on recent European initiatives to describe developments. It focuses on Z39.50-based services. It outlines a descriptive framework for such services and briefly introduces developments in other domains. Projects funded through the EU Telematics Application Programme are highlighted and some recent developments in U.K. higher education are introduced

Type

a

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Abstract

Reports on the work of the ABDUX project to investigate the use of the standardized protocol for the X.500 directory service for searching distributed bibliographic databases. It is a joint project between the Computer Science Department of the University College London, and the Library and Computer Service of Brunel University, UK. Gives a design overview and discusses the implementation phase of the project which involved: enhancements to an X.500 system; implementing user interfaces; and gathering test data for the system. Examines experiences with the system, and assesses why interest in the system has been less than hoped for. Puts forward a model for bibliographic querying which recognises the role of other protocols. Summarizes the main lessons to be drawn from the project

Type

a

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Abstract

The HILT High Level Thesaurus Project aims to study and report an the problern of cross-searching and browsing by subject across a range of communities, services, and service or resource types in the UK given the wide range of subject schemes and associated practices in place in the communities in question (Libraries, Museums, Archives, and Internet Services) and taking the international context into consideration. The paper reports an progess to date, focusing particularly an the inter-community consensus reached at a recent Stakeholder Workshop.

Source

Subject retrieval in a networked environment: Proceedings of the IFLA Satellite Meeting held in Dublin, OH, 14-16 August 2001 and sponsored by the IFLA Classification and Indexing Section, the IFLA Information Technology Section and OCLC. Ed.: I.C. McIlwaine

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Abstract

The federal system in Germany has created a segmented library landscape. Instead of a central entity responsible for cataloguing and indexing, regional library unions share the workload cooperatively among their members. One result of this approach is limited sharing of cataloguing and indexing information across union catalogues as well as heterogeneous indexing of items with almost equivalent content: different editions of the same work. In this paper, a method for clustering entries in library catalogues is proposed that can be used to reduce this heterogeneity as well as share indexing information across catalogue boundaries. In two experiments, the method is applied to several union catalogues and the results show that a surprisingly large number of previously not indexed entries can be enriched with indexing information. The quality of the indexing has been positively evaluated by human professionals and the results have already been imported into the production catalogues of two library unions.

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Abstract

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education Digital Library (NSDL) program seeks to create, develop, and sustain a national digital library supporting science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) education at all levels -- preK-12, undergraduate, graduate, and life-long learning. The resulting virtual institution is expected to catalyze and support continual improvements in the quality of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET) education in both formal and informal settings. The vision for this program has been explored through a series of workshops over the past several years and documented in accompanying reports and monographs. (See [1-7, 10, 12, and 13].) These efforts have led to a characterization of the digital library as a learning environments and resources network for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education, that is: * designed to meet the needs of learners, in both individual and collaborative settings; * constructed to enable dynamic use of a broad array of materials for learning primarily in digital format; and * managed actively to promote reliable anytime, anywhere access to quality collections and services, available both within and without the network. Underlying the NSDL program are several working assumptions. First, while there is currently no lack of "great piles of content" on the Web, there is an urgent need for "piles of great content". The difficulties in discovering and verifying the authority of appropriate Web-based material are certainly well known, yet there are many examples of learning resources of great promise available (particularly those exploiting the power of multiple media), with more added every day. The breadth and interconnectedness of the Web are simultaneously a great strength and shortcoming. Second, the "unit" or granularity of educational content can and will shrink, affording the opportunity for users to become creators and vice versa, as learning objects are reused, repackaged, and repurposed. To be sure, this scenario cannot take place without serious attention to intellectual property and digital rights management concerns. But new models and technologies are being explored (see a number of recent articles in the January issue of D-Lib Magazine). Third, there is a need for an "organizational infrastructure" that facilitates connections between distributed users and distributed content, as alluded to in the third bullet above. Finally, while much of the ongoing use of the library is envisioned to be "free" in the sense of the public good, there is an opportunity and a need to consider multiple alternative models of sustainability, particularly in the area of services offered by the digital library. More details about the NSDL program including information about proposal deadlines and current awards may be found at <http://www.ehr.nsf.gov/ehr/due/programs/nsdl>.

Type

a

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Abstract

Purpose - To explore the use of middleware to provide access to a virtual catalogue via Z39.50, allowing its integration with other services. To consider issues arising from the cross-database search process and the problem of interoperability between systems. Design/methodology/approach - Middleware was used to establish a Z39.50 server for an existing virtual union catalogue, InforM25. The Copac physical union catalogue was used to carry out cross-database search tests, investigating the value of query transformation by the middleware and illustrating many of the issues associated with interoperability in cross-database searching. Findings - The test results demonstrate the viability and benefits of using middleware to allow the integration of virtual catalogues with other services. The results also illustrate the range of issues affecting the performance of the virtual catalogue, with supporting evidence from the use of the Copac physical union catalogue for cross-database searching via Z39.50. In particular the discussion highlights the issue of semantic interoperability, as well as emphasising the value of centralised virtual catalogue support. Research limitations/implications - The research was limited to work on a specific virtual union catalogue, that is InforM25, but the results highlight issues with general relevance in the development of any virtual catalogue. The need for more work on response times in the virtual union catalogue is apparent, along with the related issue of result set post processing. Originality/value - This paper provides a practical demonstration of the issues important to those involved in making their local catalogue accessible to services, and individuals, outside their own institution, as well as those working on virtual union catalogue development.

Type

a