1. Atlantic Scholarly Information Network Portal Slavko Manojlovich Memorial University of Newfoundland (ASIN Portal Project Manager) and Memorial University of Newfoundland (ASIN Portal Project Manager) and Stephen Sloan University of New Brunswick (ASIN Portal Content Manager) University of New Brunswick (ASIN Portal Content Manager) SIRSIDynix European Users Group Conference September 2006

5. Atlantic Scholarly Information Network Initiative of the Council of Atlantic University Libraries (CAUL). Initiative of the Council of Atlantic University Libraries (CAUL). 17 universities in the Atlantic provinces. 17 universities in the Atlantic provinces. 80,000+ FTE students (+ faculty + staff). 80,000+ FTE students (+ faculty + staff). ASIN Borrower’s Card. ASIN Borrower’s Card. Centralized off-site storage. Centralized off-site storage. Consortial Licensing of Digital Resources. Consortial Licensing of Digital Resources. Relais ILL/Document Delivery. Relais ILL/Document Delivery. Bath Profile indexing of Z39.50 servers. Bath Profile indexing of Z39.50 servers. ASIN Portal. ASIN Portal.

6. ASIN Member Institutions Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University of Prince Edward Island Saint Mary's University

7. ASIN Member Institutions Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University of Prince Edward Island Saint Mary's University COMPREHENSIVE 20,000+ students

8. ASIN Member Institutions Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University of Prince Edward Island Saint Mary's University SPECIALIZED – 300+ students

9. ASIN Member Institutions Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University of Prince Edward Island Saint Mary's University UNILINGUAL – FRENCH

10. ASIN Member Institutions Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University of Prince Edward Island Saint Mary's University ALEPH ILS

11. ASIN Member Institutions Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University of Prince Edward Island Saint Mary's University BIBLIOMUNDO ILS

12. ASIN Member Institutions Acadia University St. Francis Xavier University Atlantic School of Theology St. Thomas University Dalhousie University Université de Moncton Memorial University of Newfoundland Université Sainte-Anne Mount Allison University University College of Cape Breton Mount Saint Vincent University University of King's College Nova Scotia Agricultural College University of New Brunswick Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University of Prince Edward Island Saint Mary's University UNICORN ILS

13. The Vision To be the Atlantic resource for scholarly information.

14. Back To The Future (from a CAUL/CBUA Press Release – January 2001) You should expect to see: 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 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); 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); Coordinated licensing of electronic resources in the name of the project, allowing all users at all sites remote access (2001-2002);

15. Original Goals of the Project To give the inexperienced researcher a better way to find information. 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. 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. To build resources co-operatively; provide things collectively that we could not achieve acting alone. Recent goal: accommodate our differences. Recent goal: accommodate our differences.

16. These are the barriers to information Reasons why our users hate us

17. Reason 1: ‘Siloed’ Web sites

18. Reason 2: Database Interfaces

19. Reason 3: Confusing Citations

20. Reason 4: No links to full-text

21. Reason 5: Difficult and obscure ILL

22. Reason 5 (cont’d)

25. Reason 5: (cont’d)

27. Goals 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. 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. If we examine the previous reasons why users have a hard time with library research, we find these can be seen as dead ends.

28. The first Dead End : Information by format User often has a subject in mind, not a format. User often has a subject in mind, not a format. User wants information, not “journal articles” or “books”. User wants information, not “journal articles” or “books”. Explanation needed from Reference staff - not always sought. 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 material’s format. User makes a bee-line to Google. There, they know they will get information without having to make a decision on the material’s format.

29. Another Dead End : Database Interfaces Confusing presentation of information. Confusing presentation of information. Even a user familiar with one database may balk at using a new database with a different look. 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. 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. 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). 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 Yet another Dead End : Confusing citations Presenting citations in a common format would lead to greater clarity. Presenting citations in a common format would lead to greater clarity.

31. Yet another Dead End : No links to full-text A killer. A killer. User will often abandon the idea of using an item if it involves a manual search to locate local library rights. User will often abandon the idea of using an item if it involves a manual search to locate local library rights.

32. The 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. 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.

33. What to do? How can new technologies eliminate the dreaded

34. If we can present the user with one search interface that will present results clearly and consistently, we will eliminate one

35. Federated Search does this

36. Results

38. Federated Searching Features Searches database targets through Z39.50, API, or HTML screen scraping. Searches database targets through Z39.50, API, or HTML screen scraping. Converts all results to a common XML record syntax. Converts all results to a common XML record syntax. Search defaults may be configured to match an institution’s requirements (e.g. only search metadata in full-text databases). Search defaults may be configured to match an institution’s 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). 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. This last is a key point: makes ALL resources (where possible) openURL aware – works well with Resolver.

39. A Brief Digression Four Methods of Discovering Everything Multiple searches of native interfaces. Multiple searches of native interfaces. Federated search of native interfaces, APIs, Z39.50, etc. Federated search of native interfaces, APIs, Z39.50, etc. Harvest, index, and search metadata with links to full-text. Harvest, index, and search metadata with links to full-text. Load, index, and search full-text. Load, index, and search full-text.

40. Multiple Searches of Native Interfaces (what most of us offer now) Very precise. Very precise. Each UI can be manipulated by the user to get the best results from each database. 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. Requires an expert user – in subject and in searching. Multiple UIs. Multiple UIs. Cataloguing and organizing resources can be somewhat taxing. Cataloguing and organizing resources can be somewhat taxing. ASIN resources include 400+ resources from 250+ information providers.

41. Federated Searching of Native Interfaces (what the ASIN Portal will do) Fast and easy for the user. Fast and easy for the user. Less knowledge of subject and databases required. Less knowledge of subject and databases required. Results are consistent in presentation. Results are consistent in presentation. User cannot take advantage of special features of UIs. User cannot take advantage of special features of UIs. Vocabulary for searching may differ across databases (books vs. journal databases, subject specific vs. generalized). 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. Requires maintenance by the host of the federated search engine.

42. Harvest, Index, and Search Metadata (the OAI and Google Scholar approach) Scalable. Scalable. Established procedures and standards (OAI). Established procedures and standards (OAI). Quick and easy searching for the user. Quick and easy searching for the user. Vendors, libraries, digital repositories keen to make metadata available freely. Vendors, libraries, digital repositories keen to make metadata available freely. Not all sources support metadata harvesting or support it in a standard way. Not all sources support metadata harvesting or support it in a standard way. Lots of contacts / maintenance to do by the host. Lots of contacts / maintenance to do by the host. Links to full-text may be difficult to maintain. Links to full-text may be difficult to maintain. Software development needed. Software development needed.

43. Load, Index, and Search Full-Text (Ontario’s Scholar’s Portal built on licensed content and CSAIllumina) Full-text always available for the user – no linking problems. Full-text always available for the user – no linking problems. User can search metadata or full-text. User can search metadata or full-text. Long-term preservation of scholarly content. Long-term preservation of scholarly content. Massive infrastructure and staff support required. Massive infrastructure and staff support required. Not all vendors would be eager to participate in such a project. Not all vendors would be eager to participate in such a project. Very expensive. Very expensive.

44. If we can link search results to the full-text (where we own it) we can eliminate another huge An OpenURL link resolver does this.

45. For some types of resources, Federated searching can do this… But for resources where full-text is in doubt, a Resolver is needed.

46. Steps in Building a Resolver Install Resolver software and configure each institution. Install Resolver software and configure each institution. Multilingual – English and French required. Multilingual – English and French required. Load ‘packages’ of journal subscriptions. These form the main part of the knowledgebase. Load ‘packages’ of journal subscriptions. These form the main part of the knowledgebase. Handles embargoes. Handles embargoes. DOI aware – join CrossRef. DOI aware – join CrossRef. Load local holdings of e-journals and print subscriptions. Knowledgebase complete. Load local holdings of e-journals and print subscriptions. Knowledgebase complete. Build links to the catalogue and Relais ILL. Build links to the catalogue and Relais ILL. Inform vendors of URLs for Resolvers. Inform vendors of URLs for Resolvers. Obtain the blessing of the Godess of PubMed. Obtain the blessing of the Godess of PubMed.

47. Resolvers appear in vendor sites… The links lead to a check of the knowledgebase and a “we have it” / “we don’t have it” response. From EBSCO From CSA

48. … but not all Remember this one – we will return to it

49. Resolver links appear in Federated Search results….

51. Regardless of the source of the citation (native interface or federated search), clicking on the Resolver link brings you to the same place…

53. Federated searching can add Resolver links where they are not available in the native interface….

54. Feminae Results

55. Feminae linked to Resolver in federated search results.

56. If we could just link search results to ILL, so that items we don’t own could be quickly and easily ordered, we would eliminate a big

57. Linking Resolver to ILL Extreme co-operation from Relais. Extreme co-operation from Relais. Relais ILL accepts openURL. Relais ILL accepts openURL. Authorizes user for ILL through use of NCIP (note this is not authentication). 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). Fast, simple, and cheap (even the experienced users love this one – faculty will worship you).

58. Relais linking

59. Clicking link brings up local authentication….

60. Authentication User enters id and PIN. User enters id and PIN. A script authenticates user. A script authenticates user. The same script then adds user credentials to bibliographic data sent to it in the openURL from Resolver. 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 Redirects user to Relais ILL with bibliographic data and credentials

61. Authentication and Authorization Relais ILL accepts data from URL. Relais ILL accepts data from URL. Uses credentials to query (via NCIP) user’s circulation system to ensure user has authorization to perform ILL. Uses credentials to query (via NCIP) user’s circulation system to ensure user has authorization to perform ILL. Gets other data such as name, home library, etc. Gets other data such as name, home library, etc. Shows user completed ILL form. Shows user completed ILL form.

62. Top of ILL screen

63. User information via NCIP

64. Pristine pre-populated search form

65. User defaults via NCIP

66. Another Digression Add RefWorks Into The Mix It was discovered that RefWorks also accepts OpenURLs and that our Resolver works with RefWorks. It was discovered that RefWorks also accepts OpenURLs and that our Resolver works with RefWorks. Citations may be imported with minimal typing. Citations may be imported with minimal typing. RefShare added to consortial purchase. RefShare added to consortial purchase.

67. One Dead End left What to do about siloed information. What to do about siloed information. Solution : EPS/Rooms. Solution : EPS/Rooms. Directs user to subject-based resources. Directs user to subject-based resources. Incorporates federated searching, Resolver, and other aspects of the project. Incorporates federated searching, Resolver, and other aspects of the project. Development of subject-based Rooms shared across region. Development of subject-based Rooms shared across region. Shrinking dead ends

68. EPS/Rooms Features Each institution has its own subject hierarchy of Rooms. Each institution has its own subject hierarchy of Rooms. Each Room may be configured to search an appropriate set of resources. Each Room may be configured to search an appropriate set of resources. Rooms built using a web-based interface (little knowledge of HTML required). Rooms built using a web-based interface (little knowledge of HTML required). Information is added to Rooms through building small Content Modules. Information is added to Rooms through building small Content Modules. Content Modules may be shared across Rooms and institutional hierarchies. Content Modules may be shared across Rooms and institutional hierarchies. Communal editing of content. Communal editing of content.

85. c

86. Summary: The Project’s Components OpenURL Resolver – the heart of the system OpenURL Resolver – the heart of the system Federated searching Federated searching Relais ILL Relais ILL NCIP and ILS NCIP and ILS Local authentication scripts + EZproxy Local authentication scripts + EZproxy RefWorks: Reference Manager RefWorks: Reference Manager Rooms / EPS Rooms / EPS

87. What Have We Learned? The technology works. The technology works. Collaboration works. Collaboration works. Communication, trust, and a passion for success are critical. Communication, trust, and a passion for success are critical. OpenURL is the driver. OpenURL is the driver. OpenURL allows you to provide your users with alternatives to pay-per-view for many new resources. 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. 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. Metasearch will not cure all of the problems associated with dysfunctional native user interfaces. The NISO Metasearch Initiative will only makes things better. The NISO Metasearch Initiative will only makes things better. This is a new experience for both users and librarians. This is a new experience for both users and librarians.

88. What Have We Learned? Focus more on the user rather than on the portal. Focus more on the user rather than on the portal. Expose the portal in the user’s research environment rather than expect the user to come to the portal. Expose the portal in the user’s research environment rather than expect the user to come to the portal.

89. c

90. c

91. c

93. Getting federated search to the user… c

95. c

96. Implementation to Date 2 servers hosted by UNB (Rooms and SingleSearch/Resolver) 2 servers hosted by UNB (Rooms and SingleSearch/Resolver) Implementation Team ([Acadia], Memorial and UNB) Implementation Team ([Acadia], Memorial and UNB) Authentication scripts (Memorial, StFX) Authentication scripts (Memorial, StFX) Resolver maintenance (UNB, UPEI) Resolver maintenance (UNB, UPEI) SingleSearch maintenance (Memorial) SingleSearch maintenance (Memorial) Rooms templates (Memorial, UNB) Rooms templates (Memorial, UNB) Usability studies (Memorial) Usability studies (Memorial) Majority of sites have authentication, SingleSearch, Resolver, Relais ILL and RefWorks (remainder by end of 2006) Majority of sites have authentication, SingleSearch, Resolver, Relais ILL and RefWorks (remainder by end of 2006) Rooms development – ongoing process Rooms development – ongoing process

97. Next Steps Integrate Serials Solutions’ Central Search and Resolver into EPS for Dalhousie. Integrate Serials Solutions’ Central Search and Resolver into EPS for Dalhousie. Develop a long-term management and support infrastructure for the project. 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. Develop a set of best practices for the creation of shareable content modules and Rooms. Conduct more usability studies. Conduct more usability studies.

98. Questions?

99. Thank-you Slavko Manojlovich slavko@mun.ca slavko@mun.ca And Steve Sloan sloan@unb.ca sloan@unb.ca