Improving the search experience: federated search and the library gateway

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Library Hi Tech

ISSN: 0737-8831

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Subject Area: Library and Information Studies

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Document Information:
Title:	Improving the search experience: federated search and the library gateway
Author(s):	Jerry V. Caswell, (University of Northern Iowa Library, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA), John D. Wynstra, (University of Northern Iowa Library, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA)
Citation:	Jerry V. Caswell, John D. Wynstra, (2010) "Improving the search experience: federated search and the library gateway", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 28 Iss: 3, pp.391 - 401
Keywords:	Information searches, Libraries, Search engines, User interfaces
Article type:	General review
DOI:	10.1108/07378831011076648 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review the evolving nature of the library web site with a focus on improving the usability of the access points to licensed and unlicensed research databases. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the milestones in the development of a library gateway and the incorporation of federated search into a prominent place in the gateway. Findings – Technological developments present new opportunities to extend the functionality of library systems. Achieving simplicity among the complex array of bibliographic and full text resources is critical. Originality/value – The efforts made by the library in the development of a gateway and incorporating metasearching and other tools into it have resulted in greater control over the way resources are presented to the user community.