Tacoma Public Library Launches State-of-the-Art WebFeat Federated Search System

Custom-branded “OneSearch@Tacoma Public Library” provides single-search access to over 75 electronic resources

Old Brookville, NY, September 20, 2005 — 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 as well as the library’s catalog simultaneously with a single intuitive interface. Prior to the launch of OneSearch, patrons could only search library databases one at a time. OneSearch improves access to a dazzling array of research resources that the library offers – including full-text articles from hundreds of magazines, newspapers and journals. OneSearch is available free of charge at the historic Main Library and all 9 branch libraries located throughout the Tacoma area. OneSearch may also be accessed remotely through the library’s website (http://www.tpl.lib.wa.us) by persons with a valid Tacoma Public Library card.

Susan Odencrantz, Library Director, Tacoma Public Library commented, "Our technical staff worked successfully with WebFeat to customize searching options to deliver fast results using database combinations that will deliver the best information. We invest a significant amount of money in subscribing to (and creating) information databases to meet the needs of our community. 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."

The launch of OneSearch coincided with the redesign and re-launch of the Tacoma Public Library’s new website. The website redesign project was part of a 15 month overhaul of the library’s online technology and web presence. WebFeat custom designed the interface for OneSearch and seamlessly integrated it into the library’s new website, perfectly incorporating the library’s new look and feel. Beyond just looks, WebFeat also customized functionality to library specifications. Now patrons can choose to search any single database or combination of databases from an A-Z list. Or, patrons who are not certain which databases might be the most productive for their research may select from a variety of subject categories that are pre-populated with the most relevant databases for that topic. The whole search experience is feature rich, yet intuitive, so it is appropriate for novice and expert researchers alike.

"We are very pleased to have had a role in the development of OneSearch@Tacoma Public Libary,” commented Todd Miller, President of WebFeat. “OneSearch brings an exciting, state-of the-art search tool to the city of Tacoma and is a perfect compliment to the library’s new website."

"OneSearch powered by WebFeat integrates beautifully with our new website and enhances that investment,” added Odencrantz. “With over 75 databases to search, including many unique Library-developed local history databases, WebFeat provides our patrons with an easy-to-use solution to find the information they need quickly and effectively. As a public library that serves a diverse public with equally diverse skill sets, WebFeat is as simple or as sophisticated a tool as our patrons need it to be."

About Tacoma Public Library
The Tacoma Public Library is comprised of the historic Main Library, dating back to 1903, and 9 branch locations. It has nearly 125,000 registered users and receives more than 1.2 million visitors a year. The library also receives nearly 1 million online visits per year. Learn more about Tacoma Public Library at http://www.tpl.lib.wa.us.

About WebFeat
WebFeat (US patent #6,807,539) is the developer of the WEBFEAT PRISM™, used by over 2,500 leading public,
academic, government and Global 1000 libraries and information centers—including over half of the top 20 largest U.S. public libraries and one out of every 10 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions.

WebFeat’s latest release, WebFeat 3, offers a suite of next-generation federated search tools, PRISM, the SMART™ COUNTER-compliant usage tracker, and MyWebFeat™ personalized federated search system. Originally founded in 1992 as an information technology consultancy, WebFeat has earned industry recognition from leading organizations such as Library Journal and the Gartner Group. Learn more about WebFeat at http://www.webfeat.org.