[Web4lib] google & library catalogs

[Ina Smith]

We have just started experimenting with GoogleScholar (I see that you
specifically refer to Google, but thought this is worth mentioning anyway),
using it together with a free link resolver (ScholarSFX for experimental
purposes - IFLA-countries have an agreement with certain vendors to open a
link resolver account free of charge). Important for us: The reason why we
have started to investigate this option, was because we wanted to direct
clients who use Google & GoogleScholar anyway, back to the library and make
them aware of the valuable resources the library offers. GoogleScholar
almost (but maybe not fully) functions like a FSE in this experimental
phase, and Scholar SFX (just an example - there are many others from well
known vendors) as the link resolver. Clients who prefer to search databases
separately can still go ahead and conduct their searches as always. Through
GoogleScholar clients are directed to books in our catalogue, as well as
full text articles from platforms/e-journals/publishers to which we
subscribe (authenticated through our WAM table) by using one search
interface only. I agree with Roy on the terrible noise though, and hope we
could maybe promote the use of very specific search strategies amongst our
clients. If there are others who have experimented with the above, I would
love to hear from them. Like I've said, we are still in the experimental
phase with this. As with everything there are many advantages but also
disadvantages. 

Kind regards,
Ina

Ina Smith
E-Application Specialist
Academic Information Service (Library)
University of Pretoria
South Africa
 
Tel.: +27 12 420 3082
Fax: +27 12 362 5100
E-mail: ina.smith at up.ac.za 
 
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-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of K.G. Schneider
Sent: 11 April 2006 00:28
To: 'Web4Lib'
Subject: RE: [Web4lib] google & library catalogs

> Unfortunately this reminds me of the early, horrific days of Gopher,
> where book records from individual libraries started showing up in
> Veronica searches. The problem is the incredible noise that comes
> from locating 35,000 different records for Hamlet from 20,000
> libraries worldwide, and not a clue what to do with the information.
> I would argue strenously against doing this, and instead allow the
> very rational method of OCLC's Open WorldCat project to guide users
> to your library.
> Roy

I'm with Roy on the problem, but what I'd like to know regarding the
solution is whether people are finding libraries through Open WorldCat. Is
it happening? It may be rational, but are people guided to libraries through
it? 

Karen G. Schneider
kgs at bluehighways.com 

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