Federated Search Report and Tool Kit

ISBN 978-1-904769-34-7  
22nd October 2008  
Perma Link  

Views: 4382  

To see a sample, view the Sample PDF »

So many datasets, so little time. Federated search can streamline the process of searching across internal, subscription and web-based sources of information. But when is an organisation a strong candidate for investing in federated search solutions? And how can the information staff research, plan and implement a federated search solution that meets the organisation’s needs?

"Jill Hurst-Wahl has an extensive background in information technology and library science. I believe that if you look at the sample of the report you’ll recognize the value of purchasing the entire report. As I read through the report I noted eight things I particularly liked about it. Here’s my list, in no particular order... -- Federated Search Blog »"

Jill Hurst-Wahl, a noted industry expert in digital collections, federated search, the nexus between information and technology and recent full-time appointee to the faculty of the information school at the University of Syracuse, provides a compact yet comprehensive resource with her Federated Search Report and Tool Kit. She begins with an explanation of federated search – what it does well and what it does not do well – and then lays out a process for making informed decisions about if and how to move forward.

"Jill Hurst-Wahl gives us a very clear and concise account of what the software does, the features it may have, shortcomings and benefits, and considerations for choosing... -- Internet News blog »"

The report’s 5 chapters provide guidance on conducting a needs assessment, building a project team and gaining buy-in – all essential yet often overlooked steps. Hurst-Wahl also covers researching the industry, considering open source as well as proprietary solutions, researching specific projects, and establishing success criteria so that the project can be measured.

Everyone faces the challenge of choosing the best resource to search for the right information… and we all want it to function as easily as a certain search engine whose name rhymes with ‘frugal’. Whilst that may not be a realistic goal, the Federated Search Report and Tool Kit can help you develop solutions that save your team time, improve usage of key datasets and help users more efficiently get to the information they need to make better decisions.

"...an excellent primer on Federated Search... -- Taxonomy Watch »"

The report covers the following:

• What is federated search?
• Conducting a needs assessment
• Defining purchase criteria
• Building your team
• Industry research
• Proprietary or open source?
• Narrowing the field
• Conducting product tests
• Selecting and implementing your choice
• Measuring results

The following activities are included in the Federated Search Report and Tool Kit:

1. Needs Assessment
2. Create a Story About Using Federated Search
3. Staff Requirements Assessment
4. Purchase Criteria Definition
5. The Insource/Outsource Dilemma
6. Assembling Your Team
7. Product and Company Overviews
8. Product Trials
9. Analysis and Product Selection
10. Review and Evaluation

View a sample from this report, including table of contents, introduction and one toolkit activity.

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