Library News » Proposed Projects

Music Search page

news — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:27:33 +0000

Lee Library and available externally. The project will prototype an interface proposed by David Day and Janet Bradford. In addition to prototyping an interface, the project will experiment with implementing Keystone, an open source federated search engine. The project will result in a prototype of beta test quality available on the beta test page of the library.

Google Search Appliance

news — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:13:31 +0000

Pilot a search capable of returning valid relevance results across all library assets including those “hidden” in databases. Google offers a tool called the Google Search Appliance which enables detailed indexing and searching of content based on the organization’s needs and wants. Currently, Google searches only what is directly visible within a few “clicks” of the organization’s homepage (e.g. www.byu.edu). Additionally, Google does not search any database requiring search terms to be submitted to an engine. The Google Search Appliance can be used to direct internal searches of an organization’s content, including content that is not visible either because it is behind a firewall or because it requires a search interface. The value of Google’s approach is that there is a single consistent index. Our current federated search returns inconsistent results from a variety of sources, which is the cause of some of the problems in Webfeat. The single consistent index permits better relevance results and faster response time. The object will be to determine whether this product is worth the expense.

Making library resources visible from Google

news — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 17:11:09 +0000

Recent LibQual surveys indicate that on a daily basis, nearly 70% of the survey respondents indicated that they use a non-library gateway such as Google or Yahoo for information. Brian Roberts observed that this is a trend at other major universitites who participate in LibQual, not just a BYU trend. Given this knowledge, the Web Working Groups feels that major efforts should be made to make library content visible via search engines. Many of the library resources can be found through external search engines such as Google, Yahoo, Ask, etc. However, there is some concern that not all resources are beingfound. Further, Google provides tools to web masters to assist Google in identifying resources of interest to index. The project will be to determine what resources are not accessible and develop a plan to make them so. The project to implement the changes will be separate.

Solutions Solicitation

news — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:12:39 +0000

If you’ve ever thought, “It would be great if the library website could…”, then keep reading.

We’re taking input for ways to improve our library website. Our goal is to, “Implement new tools, methods, and practices that promote fast and easy information retrieval for students, faculty, and other researchers”. If you’ve got the next blockbuster idea ready to burst out of your cranium, by all means, post a comment below and let us know what it is. We welcome all ideas, large and small.