Electronic research databases provider EBSCO Publishing (EBSCO), US, is set to launch EBSCOhost Integrated Search (EHIS). Like traditional federated search tools, EHIS can simultaneously search EBSCOhost databases along with all other electronic resources, including OPACs, publisher packages and resources from other database aggregators. EBSCOhost is projected as one of the most used research platforms, offering users a well-known search experience. According to the company, the easy-to-use features and functionality within EBSCOhost provide users with one simple and intuitive starting place for integrated searching.
Research has reportedly shown that many federated search customers are unhappy with four components of traditional federated search products - search quality, search speed, customer service and cost. EHIS seeks to solve these problems by using the strength of the familiar and intuitive EBSCOhost interface.
In addition to simultaneously searching all electronic resources, EBSCOhost provides features that are available for any database from any vendor to improve search results. These features include basic and advanced search functionality; subject clustering; sorting results by relevancy or date; date slide limiter; add to folder options; and use of custom links.
EHIS is projected to offer fast response times. It allows for a tiered approach to viewing results which enables fast information retrieval for the top resources as determined by each library. Users need not wait for the slowest resources to determine when results will be returned-eliminating the lowest common denominator issue.
EHIS allows libraries to integrate all of their electronic resources into one central location, eliminating end-user confusion and providing librarians with additional resources. Since these resources are delivered via a platform they already know, it is expected that training would not be an issue.
Librarians may use EBSCOadmin to set up databases in EHIS. It may also be used to customise the way users see and access EHIS, to generate usage reports and label the databases to make searching easier for the end user. Access may be provided through a search box on the library's website or via the EBSCOhost interface.
Search for more such STM search tools in K-Store
Discuss this NEWS
