randwick library and federated search

Randwick City Library

eResources Seminar

EBSCOhost Integrated Search

Presentation summary:

• What did we want from EHIS?

• How did we promote EHIS?

• What was the result?


What is integrated search?

Information retrieval technology that allows the

simultaneous search of multiple searchable resources using a single query.


What did Randwick want?

• Increase database usage and site access.• Single search “Google style”.• To simplify eResource searching.• Embedded widget on Library web page.• Integrated search across all subscription databases.• To include AMLIB database.• Full text search option.• Web 2.0 functionality.


What did EHIS offer:

• True federated search including AMLIB (tiering).• Search widget.• Good user interface.• Broad filtering / search refinement options.• myEBSCOhost.• Sharing of information.• Linking to social media.• Added bonus – EBSCO Discovery; Mobile.


Testing EHIS (NSW.net, Sept 2010):

• Connector to AMLIB.• Widget and our CMS.• Relevancy ranking.• Search performance.• Simplicity of use.• Information sharing.• Patron and staff feedback.


Hansen, Kim. "Human_billboards_Stockholm_2008-07-16_cropped." 16 Jul 2008. Online image. Flickr. 10 Oct 2011.


Database promotion strategy:

• To present the service to the community.

• To increase usage.

• To differentiate the service.


Actions:

• Branding.• EHIS the “gateway” to databases.• Target staff - Ref-Ex Training, Induction.• Target students - school presentations.• Target teachers - Exec presentation.• Target patrons within the library - public PCs.• Merchandising - brochures, book marks.• Target other non-users – Radar, posters.


“Two Girls working with test tubes for a science class." Online image. Microsoft Office. 11 Oct 2011.


• Dramatically shifted users’ attention from eResources page to Library index page (Google Analytics).

• Has yet to significantly increase page views.• Increase in database usage:

EBSCO databases

Encyc. Britannica

The Times Digital

eLibrary

2009-10 322 718 69 428

2010-11 5157 945 360 653

% increase 1602 132 522 153


• EHIS had a positive impact on database collection.

• A service is only as good as its promotion.

• Promotion is constant.

• Website redesign.

Information Services LibrarianRandwick City Library Service

Sean Finlay

randwick library and federated search

Technology