INCOLSA Launches WebFeat Search Prism for INSPIRE —The Indiana Virtual Library

WebFeat provides federated searching for more than 2,200 libraries statewide

The Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority (INCOLSA) has launched a custom WebFeat Search Prism solution for INSPIRE, The Indiana Virtual Library. INCOLSA, whose member institutions represent more than 2,200 libraries throughout Indiana, operates INSPIRE which provides access to nearly 10,000 magazines, as well as almanacs, encyclopedias, newspapers, and other information to all residents of Indiana. WebFeat enables residents of Indiana to simultaneously search any or all of the INSPIRE databases, including the Indiana Shared Library Catalog, using a single intuitive interface. The INSPIRE databases can be accessed from within any Indiana library, or they may be accessed remotely at http://www.inspire.net.

"The addition of WebFeat allows us to more effectively organize INSPIRE resources for greater ease of use by Indiana residents,” commented Margaret Mohundro, INCOLSA – Director of INSPIRE. "...WebFeat enhances the value of INSPIRE resources by helping users to more efficiently access the wealth of information available on any particular subject."

WebFeat is a key component of the newly upgraded INSPIRE website that was unveiled to the public at The Indiana Library Federation (ILF) Annual Conference in Indianapolis, April 11-13, 2006. The custom designed WebFeat interface is seamlessly embedded within the INSPIRE website.

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LVCCLD Integrates Custom WebFeat Search Solution with New III ILS System

Las Vegas - Clark County Library District (LVCCLD) has launched a custom WebFeat Search Prism solution as part of a major technology upgrade which included a new ILS system from Innovative Interfaces. LVCCLD now uses a custom WebFeat interface as the primary interface for its Innovative Interfaces powered catalog. Retaining the advanced search and “shopping cart” functionality of the Innovative Interfaces ILS system, WebFeat developed a custom interface for LVCCLD that includes an on-demand advanced catalog search interface and transparent integration of personalized catalog functions. LVCCLD patrons can now simultaneously search the Library’s catalog and selected popular databases from a quick search box embedded within nearly every page of the Library’s website.

Daniel Walters, Executive Director, Las Vegas Clark County Library District, commented, "WebFeat's staff provided extraordinary customer service during the design and implementation of our WebFeat system. We cannot say enough about the positive experience we have had in our working relationship with WebFeat. WebFeat has acted as our partner, not just a technology vendor."

The LVCCLD WebFeat system includes a number of innovations designed specifically for the Library. Among these innovations is the seamless placement of WebFeat search interfaces within LVCCLD’s “Info Guides”— dynamic web pages that enable users to perform subject and context-sensitive searches within a specific subject area.

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GALILEO Launches Quick Search Beta

GALILEO entered the world of federated searching on March 28, 2006 when the new GALILEO Quick Search Beta feature became part of the GALILEO homepage. Users can now search across multiple databases at once through either a default General Topics search or specific subject searches. The beta implementation is the result of nine months of infrastructure and design work with WebFeat and the GALILEO librarians. In phase II, community working groups will determine further customizations for each GALILEO community -- K12, public libraries, and academic libraries.

GALILEO, Georgia’s virtual library, provides online access to over 100 databases that index thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals. Over 2,000 journal titles are provided in full-text. Other resources include encyclopedias, business directories, and government publications.

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.

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Quick Hits: System Launches and Other News

Cuyahoga County Public Library (Ohio) has launched a custom WebFeat system, dubbed "The Find Engine." The WebFeat system, a key component of the Library's newly designed website, enables patrons to simultaneously search more than 110 electronic resources including the Library's new Innovative Intefaces catlog. The Library was recently ranked by Hennen's American Public Library Rating (HAPLR) Index as one of the top 5 public libraries in the nation serving a population of more than 500,000. http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/

Dartmouth College, has launched "Search360," a custom WebFeat search system allowing Dartmouth students and facultly to simultaneously search more than 50 electronic resources. Search360 can be accessed from the Dartmouth College Library website (http://diglib.dartmouth.edu/).

Douglas County Libraries (Colorado) has launched a custom branded WebFeat search system dubbed "1Search" which is seamlessy integrated within the Library's Research Resources page. Additionally, patrons can launch the WebFeat search interface directly from a Quick Links box accessible from every page of the Library's website.
http://www.douglascountylibraries.com

Louisiana State University launched its custom WebFeat system in early April. The LSU WebFeat system (http://www.lib.lsu.edu/) is part of a statewide consortial implementation for LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network. Said Carla Clark, Head of Access Services and Systems - Noel Memorial Library, Louisiana State University in Shreveport. "The seamless searching capability [of WebFeat] will surely be a boon to our users who simply want to find what they need as quickly and effortlessly as possible. I am thrilled that the LOUIS consortium is adopting this cutting-edge technology, as it will help us to be relevant and competitive in our ‘get-it-now’ age."
Read More about LOUIS

Normal Public Library launched a custom WebFeat search system in April. "We've only been live for a couple of weeks and we've already had many positive comments from our customers about the improvements in searching with WebFeat," said Jeanne Moonan. Normal Public Library is a client of WebFeat partners TLC and AquaBrowser. Learn more about Normal Public Library at http://www.normal-library.org

Winnetka Northfield Public Library District (Illinois) has launched a custom configured WebFeat system offering patrons 24/7 access to a wealth of electronic resources. "WebFeat allows us to maximize our digital resources into one seamless interface... the WebFeat technology that makes us look so good," commented Juli Janovicz, Head of Adult Services,Winnetka Northfield Public Library District. "Whatever its size, any library that subscribes to multiple databases from multiple vendors owes its patrons a subscription to WebFeat." http://www.wpld.alibrary.com

ALA Preview: 2006 Annual Conference

WebFeat to host multiple events at ALA

Statewide Library Implementation: Federated Searching for All
Join WebFeat and Louisiana librarians for this special event showcasing the remarkable statewide federated search implementations in Louisiana. WebFeat provides access to electronic resources for more than 360 public and academic libraries in Louisiana. Representatives from the State Library of Louisiana and members of LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network will showcase their custom WebFeat systems. Learn from librarians about the benefits of statewide implementations; discuss issues and implementation challenges relevant to both statewide networks and individual institutions.

This event is open to all interested in learning more about Federated Search implementations at either the statewide/consortia level or for individual institutions.
Saturday, June 24th, 1:30 - 3:30pm
Refreshments served
Morial Convention Center, Room 243

ALA Vendor Product Spotlight -- WebFeat Express: Federated Search Implementation at Warp Speed
See how WebFeat Express, a powerful and affordable, new federated search solution, brings federated searching within reach for small to medium sized libraries. WebFeat Express has the power to reduce implementation time frames from frustrating months (even years) to a matter of days.
Sunday, June 25th, 10am
Morial Convention Center, exhibits floor (see ALA program)

email mehmann@webfeat.org to RSVP for an event or to set up a private meeting at our booth.

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