Researchers and developers from global library cooperative Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), US, and the information schools of Syracuse University and the University of Washington have announced their participation in a new international effort to explore the creation of a more credible web search experience based on inputs from librarians worldwide. Called the 'Reference Extract,' the planning phase of this project is funded through a $100,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Reference Extract is projected as a web search experience similar to those provided by the world's most popular search engines. However, unlike other search engines, Reference Extract will be built for maximum credibility of search results by relying on the expertise of librarians. Users will enter a search term and receive results weighted toward sites most often used by librarians at institutions such as the Library of Congress, the University of Washington, the State Library of Maryland, and over 2,000 other libraries worldwide.
The Reference Extract project will hold a series of meetings and consultations over the coming months. As part of the planning process, participants are reaching out to partners in libraries, technology organisations and research institutions. Those interested in providing input on the project and learning more can visit the project website at http://digref.org.
