Improving the search experience: federated search and the library gateway

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.

Citation

Caswell, J.V. and Wynstra, J.D. (2010), "Improving the search experience: federated search and the library gateway", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 391-401. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378831011076648