dbWiz: open source federated searching for academic libraries

Author(s):

Calvin Mah (Simon Fraser University Library, Burnaby, Canada)

Kevin Stranack (Simon Fraser University Library, Burnaby, Canada)

Abstract:

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiences of developing an open source federated searching tool. It is hoped that it will generate interest not only in dbWiz, but in the many other open source projects either completed or in development at the Simon Fraser University Library and at other libraries around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methods used in this paper include reviewing of related literature, analysis of other federated search tools, and the observation and description of the development process at the Simon Fraser University Library.

Findings

– The paper discusses the benefits and challenges faced in developing an open source federated searching tool for libraries. As a case study, it demonstrates the strength of the collaborative, open source development model. The paper also describes the key features required of any federated searching tool.

Originality/value

– Federated searching is becoming an important new product for both academic and public libraries, with several commercial products to choose from. This paper describes the development of an open source federated search tool that provides a low‐cost, yet highly functional alternative for the wider library community.

Keywords:

Information retrieval, Library systems, Academic libraries, Computer software

Type:

Technical paper

Publisher:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright:

© Emerald Group Publishing Limited 2005
Published by Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Citation:

Calvin Mah, Kevin Stranack, (2005) "dbWiz: open source federated searching for academic libraries", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 23 Issue: 4, pp.490-503, https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510636292

Downloads:

The fulltext of this document has been downloaded 968 times since 2013