Metasearch Infrastructure Project Update

October 28, 2004 Author: CDLCategories:

Work on the Metasearch Infrastructure project (The metasearch infrastructure project is no longer active. See: http://www.cdlib.org/services/d2d/metasearch/index.html). The Ex Libris MetaLib software has been installed at the CDL, and CDL staff completed software training in mid-September. Staff are currently experimenting with the software and customizing MetaLib to UC’s desired specifications.

User interface testing on a prototype version aimed at undergraduates beginning their research will take place in late October at UC Santa Cruz. A focus group session will also be conducted there; the testing will help inform decisions such as labeling, navigation, and value-added services. Christy Hightower (UC Santa Cruz), one of the campus members of the Metasearch team, has helped with the planning and arrangements for these tests.

Another team of library staff at UCLA, working with the UCLA Center for European & Eurasian Studies, is developing a Metasearch version oriented to research within the broad subject area of political, cultural, and economic integration in Europe.

Other early versions of Metasearch will be used in support of the American West (http://www.cdlib.org/inside/projects/amwest/)

National Science Digital Library (NSDL) Update: (The metasearch infrastructure project is no longer active. See:
(http://www.cdlib.org/services/d2d/metasearch/index.html) grant projects.