Boston Public Library to host NELINET event showcasing BPL Big Dig

In December 2003, the Boston Public Library launched its federated search solution, dubbed "BPL Big Dig" powered by WebFeat. To celebrate the success of Big Dig, WebFeat and its parter NELINET have sponsored a special breakfast for NELINET members to be held at Boston Public Library during the upcoming ALA Mid-Winter Meeting. The event, open to all NELINET members, will take place on Saturday, January 15 in the Tea Room at Novel Restaurant — located on the first floor of BPL's historic McKim building.

WebFeat will provide NELINET members with a brief overview of the latest developments at WebFeat. BPL will then provide a demonstration of Big Dig, followed by a brief question and answer session.

WebFeat announces nominees for 2005 President's Award for Innovation

On January 7, 2005, WebFeat announced its nominees for the 2005 WebFeat President’s Award for Innovation. This award, which recognizes innovation in design and function in our clients’ state-of-the-art information systems, will be presented on January 14th at a very special awards dinner to be held during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston. Festivities will be held in the exclusive private dining room of Mistral Bistro — one of Boston's most acclaimed restaurants.

The 2005 nominees are:
Boston Public Library • Brigham Young University Libraries
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library • Chicago Public Library
Cleveland Public Library • Denver Public Library
Johnson County Public Library (Indiana)
OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network)
Toledo Lucas County Public Library • Queens Borough Public Library
SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network)
University Library - University of Illinois at Chicago
University Library System - University of Pittsburgh

The 2004 President's Award for Innovation was shared by
San Francisco Public Library and King County Library System.
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Visit us at ALA Midwinter booth #2833

Stop by booth #2833 for a demonstration of WebFeat, the original federated search engine, used by over 1,500 leading public, academic, government and Global 1000 libraries—including over half of the 20 largest U.S. public libraries and 1 out of 10 ARL libraries.

Interactive Exhibit Floor Map

WebFeat granted U.S. Patent

The United States Patent and Trademark Office, earlier this year, recognized WebFeat’s federated search technology for innovation and importance to the industry. Granted in the fourth quarter of 2004, U.S. patent #6,807,539 covers WebFeat’s method and technology for managing the authentication and session management necessary to perform a federated search across licensed resources.

Todd Miller, President of WebFeat, commented: “Prior to WebFeat, the only way to search licensed research databases in tandem was with Z39.50, or through an aggregator. WebFeat changed that. Now hundreds of libraries and millions of users enjoy the benefits of WebFeat federated searching. Our success and subsequent patent issuance reinforces WebFeat’s position as the leader in the federated searching space."

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Chicago Public Library launches Find It!

The Chicago Public Library (CPL) formally unveiled the library’s new Find It! next-generation online researching software at an inaugural event held December 6, 2004. Find It!, the result of a collaboration between Chicago Public Library and WebFeat, is designed to help patrons search the Library’s vast holdings and research databases simultaneously. Each of the library’s 79 locations now has multiple Find It! computers dedicated for patrons who are conducting research. Find It! is also available to remote users through the Chicago Public Library website.

“The Chicago Public Library’s mission has always been to provide the public with access to information and new ideas,” said CPL Commissioner Mary Dempsey. “With the addition of Find It! and other compelling new computer services, the Library is continuing to supply Chicagoans with greater access to online information and is also creating a model for other library systems across the country.”

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WebFeat enters new partnerships with
Serials Solutions and EOS International

On January 10, 2004, WebFeat announced a new partnership to provide its patented federated search technology to Serials Solutions the leading provider of e-journal access services. Serials Solutions enables library patrons to get the most value out of their libraries' electronic serials, including content in aggregated databases, publisher web sites and subscription agents. WebFeat will supply translator technology for Central Search—Serials Solutions' powerful, feature-rich federated search product.