ProQuest, part of Cambridge Information Group, US, has announced innovative changes to the eLibrary research database. The database claims to be a recognised leader in delivering multimedia and digital full-text content in an engaging, user-centric interface.
Available now, the new eLibrary will offer editorially selected results. The next-generation eLibrary also integrates features familiar from web search engines, customised in-product web applications, media-rich content and Web 2.0 interactivity. Two key features of the new eLibrary include 'Smart Content' and 'Content Creators.' These new web tools seek to promote mash-ups, collaboration, and help strengthen 21st century information skills.
Smart Content combines eLibrary's 65 million documents with editorially-prepared content. For most-queried and most-studied topics searched, results sets will display a 'smart page' that provides biographical, historical, and other contextual information, in addition to eLibrary editors' top document and multimedia picks.
'Content Creators' are in-product web applications that enable use of eLibrary content in all new, custom applications, such as timelines, that allow users to create and publish in a safe online environment. These user-created pieces can be saved on eLibrary for presentation or further collaboration and added to personal "My eLibrary" pages that capture and tag user favorites.
