NISO Metasearch Initiative Introduction Pat Stevens October 30, 2003

Standards Development Process Discovery Starts with a problem or need Workshops or other study to understand the problem See where standards might help Standards development Can include a draft standard and trial Maintenance and ongoing revision

Metasearch Integrated Access to Multiple Resources More than just cross database search Starts with Resource Identification Ends with Information Use Many players offering diverse services As easy as Google, but better

Things started at Midwinter Meeting called by 3 providers: Ebsco, Gale, Proquest Concerned at impact on service NISO offered to take leadership role Formed a planning committee

Identify problem Problem – Kansas this is not Heterogeneous content and access paths Searching can be done Managing results is difficult Integration with delivery not easy Difficult for content providers To maintain efficient and effective service

Goal: Improve state of the art Focus on incremental steps That move entire community forward Any standards identified must help: Libraries deliver services that stand out Metasearch providers offer better service Allow content providers to enhance content Protect intellectual property Win – Win - Win

Identified Key Pain Points Access Management Resource Identification Metasearch Identification The Search Itself Results Management Statistics

Denver Meeting Theme: We are all service providers Understand each others positions Worked each problem Starting with a position paper Worked towards practical solutions Recommendations approved by NISO SDC and Board