OCLC Systems & Services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore methods for opening up web content to automated classification using metadata, potentially in the context of library groupware or portals.

Design/methodology/approach – Examines various web sites and meta-searching tools which provides a new means of access for users, and allow users to better document and integrate their research findings.

Findings – This paper is exploratory in nature and highlights trends in the area of library groupware, link routing, and personalized metadata usage.

Practical implications – The vast wealth of information on the web today needs to be exploited by information specialists (librarians) by assisting patrons in organizing, sharing and syndicating content from nearly any information source and empowering patrons via the use of “folksonomies” which are grass roots taxonomies, in conjunction with traditional controlled vocabularies.

Originality/value – In highlighting the as of yet untapped power of technologies such as openURL and link routing, digital librarians can assist patrons by providing services against traditional and non traditional information sources allowing resources to be organized and shared in order to increase utility. This paper examines innovative means by which this could be accomplished.