[Web4lib] National Agricultural Library makes BooleanCUBE advanced search facility available for free download

[Stu Gagnon]

ADVANCED SEARCH FORM for Use with Endeavor Voyager
OPACs

The National Agricultural Library [
http://www.nal.usda.gov/index.shtml ] (NAL) announces
the release of a generic version of its custom search
form -- BooleanCUBE (Boolean Canned URL-Based
Experience).  BooleanCUBE is an advanced search tool
for the NAL Catalog (AGRICOLA), but can be adapted for
use with other Voyager OPACs.

The generic version of BooleanCUBE can be configured
for use with Endeavor WebVoyage databases as an
advanced search facility applying Boolean phrasing and
other syntax through a user-friendly form.  The new
tool was designed and developed by Rachel Maderik,
with assistance from Stuart Gagnon, both with NAL's
Water Quality Information Center (WQIC).

BooleanCUBE adds valuable functionality to searches of
Endeavor WebVoyage databases.  Once configured,
BooleanCUBE provides the ability to perform complex
searches using multi-level nesting, field specific
searching, and add optional limits including date(s),
language, media type, document type and location. 
Searches generate permanent URLs that can be saved and
reused at a later time.  Since the URLs run
dynamically, searches will continue to provide access
to any new items matching a strategy.

BooleanCUBE includes a character counter and other
helpful features. Over 560 characters are allowed in
each search for building complex Boolean strategies
while monitoring character limits.  Buttons enter
search parameters and tidy code automatically. The
BooleanCUBE form is set to retain searches until
cleared, so toggling between search results and the
search form makes adjusting strategies and
database-switching easy.  

A working version of BooleanCUBE formats strategies
for NAL's Endeavor Voyager (OPAC) system, AGRICOLA. 
The tool is available as the advanced search [
http://www.nal.usda.gov/booleancube/booleancube.html ]
from AGRICOLA's main page.  BooleanCUBE should be
compatible with most Endeavor Voyager systems with
minor adjustments.  

BooleanCUBE is available for free download through the
NAL Web site [
http://www.nal.usda.gov/audience/booleancube.shtml ]. 

Comments and suggestions are welcome and appreciated. 
Please send comments to the NAL Research and Reader
Services team, using E-mail: agref at nal.usda.gov, or by
telephone to 301-504-5755.

Disclaimer: The terms "Voyager" and "WebVoyage" are
the property of Endeavor Information Systems, Inc.
which in no way endorses this product.




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