Gourt > Reference > Libraries > Library and Information Science > Software > Federated Searching
Federated Search is an emerging feature of automated, web based library and information management systems. It is also often referred to as a Portal, as opposed to simply a web-based search engine.
The goal of federated searching is to enable a user to search a multiple of independent, discretely mounted, data sources or databases through one search query. When this is done in traditional search engines, such as Google, only sources available on the Internet can be searched, retrieved and accessed. The large volume of documents housed in proprietary databases is not open to traditional Internet search engines, unless the documents are mounted on a website. Federated Searching then requires a library, university or private firm to first purchase access with individual data source vendors and/or providers, which will license access to the information in the databases. When a cluster of databases is purchased in this manner, it is impossible for a user to search a multiple selection of databases with the same one-time single query string. Typically a user must select a specific database then search the database, collect and evaluate results, then repeat the procedure with another database. This process can be time consuming and inefficient since many duplicate entries may be found. Moreover, each database may have different search features and options, which affect the results a user retrieves. Often the user must spend time learning the unique features of each data source before being able to accurately and reliably search the database.
The process
Federated search implements a computer program that allows users to access multiple data sources with a single query string located within a single interface. Two steps achieve this process. The user enters a search query in the Portal interface’s search box and the search string is sent to every individual database that is incorporated into the Portal or Federated Search list. This must be 'programmed' by the portal vendor and is often called the ‘search module’. Each individual database must be linked to each portal user's web IP address. Often there will be options available in sophisticated portals to select and/or deselect which data sources a user queries. Generally speaking vendor portals will include Reference Databases, Public Access web-based Library Catalogues or OPACs, web based search engines like Google and in-house, or corporate data sources. Step Two is actualized when the individual data sources send back to the portal’s interface a ‘List of Results’ from the search query. The user can review this 'hit list', which is usually just the number of articles retrieved in each source. The user then hyperlinks to a complete list of each source, if only one record is returned, they will enter directly into the record. Some portals will 'screen scrape' the actual database results and not directly allow a user to enter the data source's application. There are additional features available in Portals, but the basic idea is the same, to improve the accuracy and relevance of individual searches as well as reduce the amount of time required to search for resources. More on [ Federated search ]
XML :: Markup Languages
Personalized News Desktop Software
Z39.50 :: Metadata
Federated Searching Tool: http://wp.me/p5GOl-ub
Vialasvegas (Lauren Stokes) Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:27:54 -0000
Federated Searching Tool: http://wp.me/p5GOl-ub
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AGent Portal - Provides a multiple tiered solution to access a Union Database, virtual resources (Z39.50), licensed reference databases, or a hybrid of these.
CarlWeb - A web-based public access catalog (Web OPAC) from TLC that provides access to an internal library catalog, as well as to other Z39.50 catalogs, external Web sites, and other electronic resources.
Meta Description: [ CARLWeb is one of the public access interfaces of CARL.Solution®. ]
Central Search - Serials Solutions' product site.
Meta Description: [ Serials Solutions helps librarians and patrons get the most value from the expensive electronic journals that are available at their institution. Serials Solutions provides comprehensive reports of a library's full-text, e-journals. Reports are organized alphabetically by journal title, customize... ]
Cross database searching: Information literacy for the 'real world'? - John Terrell, RMIT University Library, examines the process of cross database searching in the light of the Information Literacy Framework and supporting student development.
CrossRef - Information on the reference linking service using Digital Object Identifiers (DOI).
Deep Query Manager - Product information, from BrightPlanet.
Meta Description: [ BrightPlanet - automating information from documents ]
Do We Want or Need Metasearching? - Short commentary on federated searching and its impact on information literacy. [Library Journal]
Meta Description: [ There's no question that Internet users love Google—it's been my favorite since it was operating out of Stanford. ]
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ENCompass - Provides integrated access. News and information from Endeavor Information Systems.
Falling Down the Portal: Adventures in Federated Metasearch Technology at California State University Northridge - PowerPoint slide presentation.
Federated Search Engines and Link Resolvers - A blog with progress reports, from the University of Pretoria.
Federated Searching: Put It in Its Place - Proposes a new relationship between federated search engines and the library catalog. [Library Journal]
Meta Description: [ Todd Miller proposes a new relationship between federated search engines and the library catalog. ]
FirstSearch - The OCLC WorldCat bibliographic database underpins FirstSearch and supports comprehensive indexing and searching with Z39.50 compatibility across multiple databases and full-text sources.
Meta Description: [ Online reference ]
Horizon Information Portal - SirsiDynix product page.
Meta Description: [ Dynix library automation systems, imaging libraries, library cataloging and archiving software. ]
In Defense of Stupid Users - Article on federated search engines by Todd Miller, president of WebFeat. [Library Journal]
Meta Description: [ At the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting in January, I attended yet another industry program—this one under the aegis of NISO on metasearching—where attendees in a packed room discussed various aspects of searching lots of databases at the same time. ]
InfoTrac OneFile - A meta-search management system from Gale Group, with overview and tour.
Keystone Digital Library Suite - An Open Source Software system providing networked information discovery services, developed and distributed by Index Data.
List of Portal Application Functionalities for the Library of Congress - Requirements list for federated searching products, similar to a RFP (request for proposal) vendor format. From the Library of Congress Portals Applications Issues Group (LCPAIG).
Livelink Federated Query Server - Provides unified access to information repositories, news feeds, document management systems, intranets, and the Internet.
Meta Description: [ Livelink Federated Query Server provides unified access to information repositories, news feeds, document management systems, intranets, and the Internet. ]
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MetaLib - The Ex Libris library portal. Includes features list and other resources.
MetaSearch Solution - Information on gateway to library resources. [PDF]
Millennium Access Plus - Products for digital collections from Innovative Interfaces, Inc..
Meta Description: [ Innovative offers Web- and Java-based integrated library systems with multi-tiered system architecture, object-oriented design, and complete scalability - from a company with 24 years of successful library experience. We are the leading provider of Web-based solutions to thousands of academic, pu... ]
MuseGlobal - Java-enabled, hub-based, metasearch engine by Peter and Kate Noerr. Site includes demonstations and background information.
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Searchlight - Simultaneous searching of many publicly-available databases and other resources. From the California Digital Library.
SingleSearch - Product information from Sirsi Corporation.
Meta Description: [ Sirsi delivers library automation software and services for libraries. Offering library automation software, library computerization, text retrieval and more ]
The Right Solution: Federated Search Tools - Library Journal Digital column by Roy Tennant, providing an introduction to the benefits of federated searching.
Meta Description: [ I recently took library catalogs to task for being the wrong solution for the right problem—general information discovery. But I believe that federated or cross-database search tools now available on the market are the correct solution for unifying access to a variety of information resources. ]
The Truth About Federated Searching - Reviews five common misconceptions about federated searching services. [Information Today]
Trumping Google? Metasearching's Promise - Discussion of federated searching models, with selected links. [Library Journal]
Meta Description: [ Metasearch promises to give patrons one-stop access to the many and various resources at the heart of the library digital collection. ]
WebFeat - Information on WebFeat Prism, news, and contact information.
What are the implications for information literacy training in higher education with the introduction of federated search tools? - Library Masters thesis by Lucy McCaskie.
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ZPORTAL - Product information sheet on the Z39.50 search engine from Fretwell-Downing.
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