Federated search engines and the development of library systems: ANTAEUS

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the recent history of library systems with a view to illustrating the impact of federated search systems on reinvigorating the role of the library system.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative account of the impact of digital library technologies on the function of library systems, together with an outline of how larger principles such as “openness” and “proprietorialness” determine the success or failure of digital information products.

Findings

It was found that the present role of the library system is significantly different from its earlier purpose, and that innovative and visionary responses to the challenges of networked information services have helped reinvent its function.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the ideas in this paper may be worthy of consideration as evidence of the broader research principles underlying the success or failure of digital information products.

Practical implications

The insights in this piece may clarify for the practitioner the present and future role of the systems division within the larger framework of the academic library.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to create a coherent narrative for a number of otherwise unrelated library developments.

Citation

Joint, N. (2008), "Federated search engines and the development of library systems: ANTAEUS", Library Review, Vol. 57 No. 9, pp. 653-659. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530810911770