Mrs. Rosiline Mary Mr. S.Ketheeswaren Mr. N. Vishvanath MSc(LIS). Students Bharathidasan University Federated Searches over Indian Repositories: A Study

Introduction  The new generation of federated search engines possesses qualities that allow sophisticated in-house implementation for library purposes.  Most importantly, the software provides the ability to search across multiple information resources from one user interface.

FEDERATED SEARCH ENGINE  Desktop search (sometimes called integrated search) is the ability to simultaneously search multiple data sources -- typically including the Internet and corporate intranets and databases as well as hard drives and removable storage on the user's computer -- from a search term entered into a text box on the desktop.

Z39.50  Federated search software uses standardized protocols to access databases.  The most common protocol used is Z Some target databases that do not comply with the Z39.50 standard can still be searched using "translator" programs that convert the query format of the federated system into the format of the native system.

FEDERATED SEARCH AT UK  MetaLib provides a single integrated environment for managing electronic resources, whether these be abstracting and indexing databases, full-text e-journal services, CD-ROMs, library catalogues, information gateways or local collections.

FEDERATED SEARCH AT INDIA  Cross Archive Search Services for Indian Repositories: This service is a part of the ongoing project "Development of OAI-Based Institutional Research Repository Services in India", sponsored by Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. This project is being carried out at NCSI, IISc, Bangalore. The service will harvest metadata as per the OAI-PMH protocol from the registered OA repositories in India. It also provides web-based search/browse functionality over the harvested metadata.

Search Digital  SDL harvests metadata from open access digital libraries and e-journals in the area of Library and Information Science and list of Digital repositories SDL harvests.  The search results display the metadata and access the full text of the document by clicking 'View Original'.

Limitations of the Federated Search Engine  The lack of a uniform authentication standard means that some databases are inaccessible to federated search engines.  True, full, reduplication is impossible because databases download results in small sets and metadata standards vary by resource.

Conclusion  When a federated search engine is implemented at a particular library, it then becomes a unique service.  Training for staff is required to implement the service and learn the administrative interface.  There also has to be a certain level of orientation and instruction for patrons to learn the new service.

Reference  Gerrity, Bob, Theresa Lyman, and Ed Tallent Blurring services and resources: Boston College's implementation of MetaLib and SFX. Reference Services Review 30, no. 3:  Hane, Paula J The truth about federated searching. Information Today 20, no. 9. Accessed Oct. 13, 2003,  Lewis, Nicholas Talking about a revolution? First impressions of Ex Libris' MetaLib. Airadne 32. Accessed May 16,

Reference  Luther, Judy Trumping Google? Metasearching's promise. Library Journal Oct. 1, Accessed Oct. 13, 2003, rticlePrint&articleID=CA rticlePrint&articleID=CA  National Information Standards Organization Metasearch initiative. NISO Web site. Accessed Oct. 19,  Tennant, Roy Digital libraries: cross database search. Library Journal Oct. 15, Accessed Oct. 13, 2003, rticlePrint&articleID=CA rticlePrint&articleID=CA170458

Reference  Tennant, Roy The right solution: federated search tools. Library Journal June 15, Accessed Oct. 13, 2003, yout=articlePrint&articleID=CA yout=articlePrint&articleID=CA 