Newsletter - June 2005, ALA Annual Edition

News - June 2005, ALA Annual Edition

New York State Library Makes WebFeat Its Federated Search Portal Partner

Pilot project powered by WebFeat to improve access to over 6,000 information resources

The New York State Library and WebFeat, the original federated search engine, have implemented a federated search pilot project to improve access to the Library’s vast electronic resources, including the NOVEL databases. NOVEL, the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library, is New York's first statewide virtual electronic library. It enables libraries across New York State to give their communities online access to over 6,000 information resources—including the full text of hundreds of journals, newspapers and other references. The New York State Library, the largest state library in the nation, holds a collection of 20 million items and provides leadership and support to 74 library systems and some 7,000 public, academic, school and special libraries throughout the state. WebFeat enables New York library patrons to simultaneously search across any or all of the libraries’ electronic databases with a single, intuitive interface.

"WebFeat has been tremendously supportive and helpful in providing the unique customization we needed to implement NOVEL.” noted Elizabeth C. Duncan, Principal Librarian Technical Services and Systems, New York State Library.

New York State Library’s customized WebFeat system is unique in that it is a dual-layer system providing 2 different user interfaces—one for the New York State Library catalogue and databases and one for the NOVEL databases.

NOVEL
New York Online Virtual Electronic Library

Gail Rosenberg, WebFeat, with Frank Alan Herch, Director, FCC Library

FCC Library Launches Custom WebFeat System

In April 2005, the Federal Communications Commission Library launched its federated search system powered by WebFeat. As a component of a revamped Electronic Resource Center, WebFeat allows library patrons to simultaneously search the FCC catalog and numerous government and public databases.

WebFeat was invited to participate in this year's FCC Open House on April 27, 2005. The event, attended by FCC dignitaries and staff, highlighted the Library's new online catalog and multi-database search system. Gail Rosenberg, WebFeat Eastern Sales Manager, demonstrated the WebFeat system for FCC staff. Rosenberg also presented FCC Library Director Frank Alan Herch with a special plaque commemorating the launch of their highly customized system.

The Federal Communications Commission Library is a client of WebFeat partner Dynix.

Omaha Public Library Launches PowerFind

Omaha Public Library has launched its PowerFind federated search solution powered by WebFeat. PowerFind enables patrons to search the Library’s 55 online databases and catalog resources simultaneously with a single, intuitive search interface. Omaha Public Library serves more than 400,000 residents and records more than 1.6 million visitors annually. PowerFind is available to all patrons at the main library and all 9 branch libraries located throughout the city of Omaha. PowerFind, the latest integration of a WebFeat system with the popular Dynix Information Portal, may also be accessed remotely through the Library’s website.

"PowerFind is a fabulous addition to our library − federated searching powered by WebFeat is the Holy Grail for libraries.” commented Rivkah Sass, Executive Director, Omaha Public Library. “Today libraries need to create solutions that cater more to the way our users think. WebFeat allows us to give our patrons improved access to the rich database content that our library already subscribes to."

WebFeat Showcases Technology at ACRL National Conference

On Friday, April 8, 2005, librarians representing more than four dozen academic institutions attended a special breakfast and technology showcase hosted by WebFeat at the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) 12th National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mary Marshall, Vice President of Sales for WebFeat, provided a special demonstration for academic libraries of WebFeat's latest product release and services.

The Association of College and Research Libraries 12th National Conference drew record attendance this year, with nearly 4,000 in attendance. Federated Searching and access to information were hot topics at the conference.

Academic Libraries Select WebFeat to Provide Federated Search Solutions

LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, University of Northern Arizona and
West Virginia University all to launch custom WebFeat systems

LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network has selected WebFeat to provide its federated search solution. LOUIS combines the resources of Louisiana's public and private academic libraries, along with a centralized support staff located on the LSU campus, to produce a dynamic library consortium. More than 39 academic libraries are members of LOUIS which serves over 250,000 students.

The University of Northern Arizona and the West Virginia University Libraries will also be launching state-of-the-art WebFeat 3 systems. Each university library system provides extensive electronic resources for their faculty and students. Each WebFeat 3 system will be seamlessly embedded within the respective university library's web pages.

LOUIS members

Visit Us at ALA Annual Conference -
Booth #438

WebFeat to Host Ice Cream and Dessert Reception in Honor of Our Academic Library Clients

On Saturday, June 25, 2005, from 2-4pm, WebFeat will host a reception for our academic library clients attending ALA. The social event will provide an opportunity to see WebFeat's latest enhancements as well as some of the custom interfaces and diversity of our client systems. Among those expected in attendance are representatives from ARL members University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Oklahoma, and University of Pittsburgh as well as staff from member libraries of ILCSO (Illinois Library Computer Systems Organization), LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network and SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Information Network). Space is limited. Please respond to hold your space.

View details and respond to hold your space

WebFeat Participating in Technology Showcase with AquaBrowser and TLC

On Sunday, June 26, 2005, from 9-11am, WebFeat will participate in a Technology Showcase hosted by TLC to feature the AquaBrowser Library integrated with WebFeat federated searching. See search results more clearly with visual searching and refinement. By using AquaBrowser Library with WebFeat’s patented federated search technology patrons can view more by simultaneously searching ALL electronic resources available.

Event details and more information