Title: Atlantic Scholarly Information Network Portal
1Atlantic Scholarly Information Network Portal
- Slavko Manojlovich
- Memorial University of Newfoundland(ASIN
Portal Project Manager)and - Stephen Sloan
- University of New Brunswick(ASIN Portal
Content Manager) - SIRSIDynix European Users Group Conference
- September 2006
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5Atlantic Scholarly Information Network
- Initiative of the Council of Atlantic University
Libraries (CAUL). - 17 universities in the Atlantic provinces.
- 80,000 FTE students ( faculty staff).
- ASIN Borrowers Card.
- Centralized off-site storage.
- Consortial Licensing of Digital Resources.
- Relais ILL/Document Delivery.
- Bath Profile indexing of Z39.50 servers.
- ASIN Portal.
6ASIN Member Institutions
Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University St. Francis Xavier University
Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University St. Thomas University
Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Université de Moncton
Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Université Sainte-Anne
Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton University College of Cape Breton
Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College University of King's College
Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia College of Art Design University of Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island
Saint Mary's University
7ASIN Member Institutions
COMPREHENSIVE 20,000 students
Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University St. Francis Xavier University
Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University St. Thomas University
Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Université de Moncton
Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Université Sainte-Anne
Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton University College of Cape Breton
Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College University of King's College
Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia College of Art Design University of Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island
Saint Mary's University
8ASIN Member Institutions
SPECIALIZED 300 students
Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University St. Francis Xavier University
Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University St. Thomas University
Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Université de Moncton
Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Université Sainte-Anne
Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton University College of Cape Breton
Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College University of King's College
Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia College of Art Design University of Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island
Saint Mary's University
9ASIN Member Institutions
UNILINGUAL FRENCH
Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University St. Francis Xavier University
Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University St. Thomas University
Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Université de Moncton
Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Université Sainte-Anne
Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton University College of Cape Breton
Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College University of King's College
Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia College of Art Design University of Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island
Saint Mary's University
10ASIN Member Institutions
ALEPH ILS
Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University St. Francis Xavier University
Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University St. Thomas University
Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Université de Moncton
Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Université Sainte-Anne
Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton University College of Cape Breton
Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College University of King's College
Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia College of Art Design University of Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island
Saint Mary's University
11ASIN Member Institutions
BIBLIOMUNDO ILS
Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University St. Francis Xavier University
Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University St. Thomas University
Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Université de Moncton
Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Université Sainte-Anne
Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton University College of Cape Breton
Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College University of King's College
Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia College of Art Design University of Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island
Saint Mary's University
12ASIN Member Institutions
UNICORN ILS
Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University St. Francis Xavier University
Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University St. Thomas University
Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Université de Moncton
Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Université Sainte-Anne
Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton University College of Cape Breton
Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College University of King's College
Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick University of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia College of Art Design University of Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island
Saint Mary's University
13The Vision To be the Atlantic resource for
scholarly information.
14Back To The Future(from a CAUL/CBUA Press
Release January 2001)
- You should expect to see
- A button on your local library catalogue allowing
you to search all CAUL/CBUA catalogues
simultaneously (2001 -- technicalities
permitting) - A "deliver it to me" option that will supply the
work to you from the holding institution quickly
(2001-- ditto on technicalities) - Coordinated licensing of electronic resources in
the name of the project, allowing all users at
all sites remote access (2001-2002)
15Original Goals of the Project
- To give the inexperienced researcher a better way
to find information. - Results from LibQual and anecdotal evidence
suggested that students were not benefiting from
our instruction programs as much as we would have
liked need to improve access independent of
instruction. - To build resources co-operatively provide things
collectively that we could not achieve acting
alone. - Recent goal accommodate our differences.
16Reasons why our users hate us
- These are the barriers to information
17Reason 1 Siloed Web sites
18Reason 2 Database Interfaces
19Reason 3 Confusing Citations
20Reason 4 No links to full-text
21Reason 5 Difficult and obscure ILL
22Reason 5 (contd)
23Reason 5 (contd)
24Reason 5 (contd)
25Reason 5 (contd)
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27Goals Re-stated No Dead Ends!
- For an inexperienced user, a dead end is any
display where it is not immediately obvious -
with little or no instruction - how the user is
to obtain the information or the document. A
dead end will cause the user to stop seeking the
information. - If we examine the previous reasons why users have
a hard time with library research, we find these
can be seen as dead ends.
28The first Dead End Information by format
- User often has a subject in mind, not a format.
- User wants information, not journal articles or
books. - Explanation needed from Reference staff - not
always sought. - User makes a bee-line to Google. There, they
know they will get information without having to
make a decision on the materials format.
29Another Dead End Database Interfaces
- Confusing presentation of information.
- Even a user familiar with one database may balk
at using a new database with a different look. - Users dealing with a multi-disciplinary topic or
faculty (Kinesiology) face the daunting prospect
of learning multiple user interfaces. - The same can be said for the user searching
cross-disciplinary databases such as Academic
Search Elite, Web of Science, Cisti Source, etc. - Especially lost may be those who wish to search
outside the normal subject databases (Oscar Wilde
as a topic in medical or science databases).
30 Yet another Dead End Confusing citations
- Presenting citations in a common format would
lead to greater clarity.
31Yet another Dead End No links to full-text
- A killer.
- User will often abandon the idea of using an item
if it involves a manual search to locate local
library rights.
32The last Dead End Difficult and obscure ILL
- When no local rights exist, we need to make it
easy and inexpensive (in time and money) for the
user to obtain a wanted item.
33What to do?
- How can new technologies eliminate the dreaded
34If we can present the user with one search
interface that will present results clearly and
consistently, we will eliminate one
35Federated Search does this
36Results
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38Federated Searching Features
- Searches database targets through Z39.50, API, or
HTML screen scraping. - Converts all results to a common XML record
syntax. - Search defaults may be configured to match an
institutions requirements (e.g. only search
metadata in full-text databases). - Makes links for each record that are appropriate
for the resource (full-text, full record from
native display, to Resolver for further
exploration). - This last is a key point makes ALL resources
(where possible) openURL aware works well with
Resolver.
39A Brief DigressionFour Methods of Discovering
Everything
- Multiple searches of native interfaces.
- Federated search of native interfaces, APIs,
Z39.50, etc. - Harvest, index, and search metadata with links to
full-text. - Load, index, and search full-text.
40Multiple Searches of Native Interfaces (what most
of us offer now)
- Very precise.
- Each UI can be manipulated by the user to get the
best results from each database.
- Requires an expert user in subject and in
searching. - Multiple UIs.
- Cataloguing and organizing resources can be
somewhat taxing.
ASIN resources include 400 resources from 250
information providers.
41Federated Searching of Native Interfaces (what
the ASIN Portal will do)
- Fast and easy for the user.
- Less knowledge of subject and databases required.
- Results are consistent in presentation.
- User cannot take advantage of special features of
UIs. - Vocabulary for searching may differ across
databases (books vs. journal databases, subject
specific vs. generalized). - Requires maintenance by the host of the federated
search engine.
42Harvest, Index, and Search Metadata(the OAI and
Google Scholar approach)
- Scalable.
- Established procedures and standards (OAI).
- Quick and easy searching for the user.
- Vendors, libraries, digital repositories keen to
make metadata available freely.
- Not all sources support metadata harvesting or
support it in a standard way. - Lots of contacts / maintenance to do by the host.
- Links to full-text may be difficult to maintain.
- Software development needed.
43Load, Index, and Search Full-Text (Ontarios
Scholars Portal built on licensed content and
CSAIllumina)
- Full-text always available for the user no
linking problems. - User can search metadata or full-text.
- Long-term preservation of scholarly content.
- Massive infrastructure and staff support
required. - Not all vendors would be eager to participate in
such a project. - Very expensive.
44If we can link search results to the full-text
(where we own it) we can eliminate another huge
An OpenURL link resolver does this.
45For some types of resources, Federated searching
can do this
But for resources where full-text is in doubt, a
Resolver is needed.
46Steps in Building a Resolver
- Install Resolver software and configure each
institution. - Multilingual English and French required.
- Load packages of journal subscriptions. These
form the main part of the knowledgebase. - Handles embargoes.
- DOI aware join CrossRef.
- Load local holdings of e-journals and print
subscriptions. Knowledgebase complete. - Build links to the catalogue and Relais ILL.
- Inform vendors of URLs for Resolvers.
- Obtain the blessing of the Godess of PubMed.
47Resolvers appear in vendor sites
From EBSCO
The links lead to a check of the knowledgebase
and a we have it / we dont have it response.
From CSA
48 but not all
Remember this one we will return to it
49Resolver links appear in Federated Search
results.
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51Regardless of the source of the citation (native
interface or federated search), clicking on the
Resolver link brings you to the same place
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53Federated searching can add Resolver links where
they are not available in the native interface.
54Feminae Results
55Feminae linked to Resolver in federated search
results.
56If we could just link search results to ILL, so
that items we dont own could be quickly and
easily ordered, we would eliminate a big
57Linking Resolver to ILL
- Extreme co-operation from Relais.
- Relais ILL accepts openURL.
- Authorizes user for ILL through use of NCIP (note
this is not authentication). - Fast, simple, and cheap (even the experienced
users love this one faculty will worship you).
58Relais linking
59Clicking link brings up local authentication.
60Authentication
- User enters id and PIN.
- A script authenticates user.
- The same script then adds user credentials to
bibliographic data sent to it in the openURL from
Resolver. - Redirects user to Relais ILL with bibliographic
data and credentials
61Authentication and Authorization
- Relais ILL accepts data from URL.
- Uses credentials to query (via NCIP) users
circulation system to ensure user has
authorization to perform ILL. - Gets other data such as name, home library, etc.
- Shows user completed ILL form.
62Top of ILL screen
63User information via NCIP
64Pristine pre-populated search form
65User defaults via NCIP
66Another DigressionAdd RefWorks Into The Mix
- It was discovered that RefWorks also accepts
OpenURLs and that our Resolver works with
RefWorks. - Citations may be imported with minimal typing.
- RefShare added to consortial purchase.
67One Dead End left
Shrinking dead ends
- What to do about siloed information.
- Solution EPS/Rooms.
- Directs user to subject-based resources.
- Incorporates federated searching, Resolver, and
other aspects of the project. - Development of subject-based Rooms shared across
region.
68EPS/Rooms Features
- Each institution has its own subject hierarchy of
Rooms. - Each Room may be configured to search an
appropriate set of resources. - Rooms built using a web-based interface (little
knowledge of HTML required). - Information is added to Rooms through building
small Content Modules. - Content Modules may be shared across Rooms and
institutional hierarchies. - Communal editing of content.
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86Summary The Projects Components
- OpenURL Resolver the heart of the system
- Federated searching
- Relais ILL
- NCIP and ILS
- Local authentication scripts EZproxy
- RefWorks Reference Manager
- Rooms / EPS
87What Have We Learned?
- The technology works.
- Collaboration works.
- Communication, trust, and a passion for success
are critical. - OpenURL is the driver.
- OpenURL allows you to provide your users with
alternatives to pay-per-view for many new
resources. - Most problems are related to the lack of
standards on the content side. - Metasearch will not cure all of the problems
associated with dysfunctional native user
interfaces. - The NISO Metasearch Initiative will only makes
things better. - This is a new experience for both users and
librarians.
88What Have We Learned?
- Focus more on the user rather than on the portal.
- Expose the portal in the users research
environment rather than expect the user to come
to the portal.
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93Getting federated search to the user
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96Implementation to Date
- 2 servers hosted by UNB (Rooms and
SingleSearch/Resolver) - Implementation Team (Acadia, Memorial and UNB)
- Authentication scripts (Memorial, StFX)
- Resolver maintenance (UNB, UPEI)
- SingleSearch maintenance (Memorial)
- Rooms templates (Memorial, UNB)
- Usability studies (Memorial)
- Majority of sites have authentication,
SingleSearch, Resolver, Relais ILL and RefWorks
(remainder by end of 2006) - Rooms development ongoing process
97Next Steps
- Integrate Serials Solutions Central Search and
Resolver into EPS for Dalhousie. - Develop a long-term management and support
infrastructure for the project. - Develop a set of best practices for the creation
of shareable content modules and Rooms. - Conduct more usability studies.
98Questions?
99- Thank-you
- Slavko Manojlovichslavko_at_mun.ca
- And
- Steve Sloansloan_at_unb.ca