Brooklyn Public Library Launches WebFeat Search System

Custom branded Brooklyn Info Bridge upgrades previous federated search solution

Brooklyn Public Library, the fifth largest public library system in the United States, has launched “Brooklyn Info Bridge,” a custom-designed federated search solution powered by WebFeat. Brooklyn Info Bridge replaces the library’s previous federated search product with a state-of-the-art, custom-branded search system designed to library specifications. WebFeat’s patented technology enables Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) users to simultaneously search any or all of the more than 70 electronic resources offered by the library – including the library’s catalog.

"BPL's new partnership with WebFeat will change the way people experience the Library," said Ginnie Cooper, Executive Director, Brooklyn Public Library. "With WebFeat’s innovative technology powering Brooklyn Info Bridge, library users will be able to access the information they need faster— and easier."

Brooklyn Info Bridge can be accessed at over 850 Internet connected computer terminals throughout the BPL system, including computers located at the Central Library, Business Library, and all 58 neighborhood locations. Users with a valid Brooklyn Public Library card may also access Brooklyn Info Bridge remotely from any internet connected computer.

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Phoenix Public Library to Implement Custom WebFeat
Federated Search Solution

Phoenix Public Library, which serves the fifth largest city in the United States, has selected WebFeat to provide a custom federated search solution for the library's approximately one million registered users. Library staff selected WebFeat after a lengthy RFP process and extensive review of federated search vendors that included on-site product demonstrations.

WebFeat is in the process of designing a user-interface that is being customized per library specifications. Once launched, Phoenix Public Library's WebFeat system will enable patrons to simultaneously search over 110 electronic databases offered by the Library as well as the Library's online catalog. WebFeat's patented authentication technology, which enables users within and outside the library to access the Library's electronic resources, was a significant factor in the Library's selection of WebFeat.

Northumbria University Chooses WebFeat Solution via Partner SirsiDynix

Northumbria University, located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, has selected WebFeat to simplify access to over 400 databases and 10,000 electronic journals.

Prior to publishing its tender document, Northumbria University spent much of 2005 researching the federated search and OpenURL Link Resolver market. Professor Jane Core, director of Library and Learning Services at Northumbria University, said, "We chose the SirsiDynix solution [powered by WebFeat] after a rigorous evaluation procedure. It meets our objective of simplifying access to over 400 databases and 10,000 electronic journals with an intuitive, easy-to-use search interface. As well as improving access for our users, we wanted something that was professional and cost-effective to administer. The impressive management information facilities of the SirsiDynix hosted solution will help us to track usage of our electronic resources to ensure that we are getting value for money from our e-resources budget"

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WebFeat Partners with SydneyPlus

WebFeat, the original federated search engine, has partnered with SydneyPlus, a leading provider of library automation solutions for business and special libraries. The partnership will allow SydneyPlus to bring WebFeat's patented federated search technology to hundreds of business, legal and government libraries.

SydneyPlus (www.ils.ca), works with some of the world's top businesses, law firms, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, financial services firms and government agencies.

The Institute of Defense Analyses (www.ida.org) will be one of the first beneficiaries of the WebFeat-SydneyPlus partnership. WebFeat will provide federated search technology for the non-profit's three federally funded research centers. The IDA assists the U.S. Government in addressing national security issues.

Quick Hits: System Launches and Other News

GALILEO, Georgia's Virtual Library, has selected WebFeat to provide a federated search solution as part of a complex GALILEO Upgrade project to be implemented over the next three years. The community of more than 2000 GALILEO institutions includes the University System of Georgia, K-12 schools, public libraries, the adult technical institutes and colleges, and a group of private academic colleges and universities. WebFeat will provide search interfaces with a customized look and feel for each user community (academics, publics, K-12).
Read about WebFeat's participation in "Upgrading GALILEO for the 21st Century"

Tacoma Public Library has launched its OneSearch federated search solution powered by WebFeat. Dubbed "OneSearch@Tacoma Public Library," the custom designed system enables patrons to search any or all of the library’s 75 online databases. Susan Odencrantz, Library Director, commented, "Not only does WebFeat improve access to our most popular databases, it actually encourages patrons to explore less familiar ones. With its intuitive, user-friendly interface, its speed and its thoroughness, we simply could not be happier with the patron experience. It's absolutely fabulous."
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The University of Northern Arizona launched its custom WebFeat system in mid-September. Library Dean Cynthia Childrey stated, "WebFeat offers a streamlined, results-focused research experience for our students and faculty that is responsive to their needs. The Library's ability to customize both search interfaces and search functionality made WebFeat a winning choice for us."
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Dayton Metro Public Library launched a custom branded WebFeat system dubbed "DML One Search." As a member of OPLIN - the Ohio Public Library Information Network, which has been a WebFeat customer since February 2004, Dayton Metro Public Library benefited from special statewide pricing offered to consortia members. http://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/

Columbus Metropolitan Library has launched a custom WebFeat system (sold through technology partner Dynix) which enables patrons to launch a federated search from nearly every page of the Library's website. The Library, also an OPLIN member-library, was recently ranked by Hennen's American Public Library Rating (HAPLR) Index as the top public library in the nation serving a population of more than 500,000. http://www.columbuslibrary.org/

Howard County Public Library, which launched its WebFeat system in June 2005, was recently ranked by Hennen's American Public Library Rating (HAPLR) Index as the top public library in the nation serving a population between 250,000 to 500,000. http://www.hclibrary.org/

WebFeat Hires Karen Standefer, Vice President Operations

WebFeat is pleased to announce the hiring of Karen Standefer as Vice President of Operations. Karen joined WebFeat in June 2005 with over 20 years experience working in a variety of high-level Systems Engineering, Database Operations and SQL Program Management positions. Among her many experiences, Karen has held long term positions at such companies as EDS, Expedia.com and NextlinkInteractive as well as consulting positions with IBM, Microsoft and Wells Fargo. Karen oversees the WebFeat translator development group as well as the Client Services teams.

At Expedia, Karen built the Database Operations group from the ground up, secured the live site databases and built infrastructure, process and procedures to ensure data integrity and failover in the case of a catastrophic failure. Karen created process and procedures for updating live site data, managed the projects for compliance, and was responsible for the strategic direction of the Database Management organization. Karen's wealth of experience helps WebFeat ensure system integrity, improve client response time and streamline system launches.

ALA 2006 Midwinter Meeting Preview

WebFeat to host multiple events at ALA; Email us to reserve your space or to set up a private meeting at our booth.

WebFeat President's Awards for Innovation: the 3rd Annual WebFeat President's Awards for Innovation awards dinner will be held on Saturday, January 21st at 7pm on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. Nominations for this year's awards will be announced in early December. Read about the 2005 Awards winners.
Event is invitation only, space is limited.

WebFeat Users Group Meeting: WebFeat representatives will discuss product upgrades and introduce new technological enhancements. WebFeat will also be unveiling its new WebFeat Users Forum, an online community exclusively for WebFeat Users Group members to receive and exchange information. Clients will receive information on how to access the new Users Forum via direct email. Location to be announced.
Sunday, January 22nd, 8am

Technology Showcase: The Undersea Federated Search World of AquaBrowser Library®
See how AquaBrowser Library®, a powerful new tool used to intelligently construct and refine searches, works in concert with WebFeat's federated search engine.
Monday, January 23rd, 10am
Gonzales Convention Center, Blue Bonnet Theater

Technology Showcase: SMART™ COUNTER-Compliant Federated Search Usage Tracking
See how WebFeat's SMART usage tracker can dramatically cut the amount of time required to gather and analyze database usage statistics from days to seconds and refine searches, works in concert with WebFeat's federated search engine.
Monday, January 23rd, 12:40pm
Gonzales Convention Center, Blue Bonnet Theater

Be sure to visit www.webfeat.org for updates to the schedule of WebFeat events at ALA.

WebFeat President's Award
for Innovation