Xserver

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Xserver

• xtra cool, xciting, xcellent, xtc.

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Why use a different OPAC interface?

• API gives the greatest flexibility to provide the
  interface your patrons want
• You can explore your own innovative ideas
• Lower cost (with important exceptions)

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Overview of Project

• Started about two years ago, first Aleph x-server
  script
• About one year ago, WorldCat API introduced
• Feb 2009 IDS Search team formed
• IDS Search based on WorldCat API
• Fall 2009, scripts re-written
• new "framework" works with both Aleph x-server
  and WorldCat API
• X-server and IDS Search started separately, but
  are merging into single framework (still looking
  for a nice brand name)

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Amanda Hollister

• Web Services Librarian Jack of all Trades 
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• Embedded the Xserver catalog into a development
  version of the library website 
• Surveyed the library for feedback
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• Created a stand alone version of the catalog
• Surveyed the campus for feedback

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Library feedback

• tag cloud, google preview, words in description
  link to catalog, rss feed (which students won't
  understand but I liked)
• The TAG CLOUD - re-invents the ability to
  "browse" for relevant subjects
• Like the pictures of books along with the
  abstract on the first screen, and the subject
  tags on the side.
• I would get rid of the Marc record. Overkill for
  the average Joe.  
•  "Sort by" option should be more obvious in my
  opinion, possibly above the results.
• If there is a tag cloud is there a way for users
  to tag items? 

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Campus feedback - positive

• readable font and brings to possible other
  choices.
• the search engine is pretty useful
• Good if you know an author and/or title.
• The graphics were better to look at than the
  regular one, which are blurry
• it's a quick one click process
• Entering in one search field and getting good
  results. Subject tag cloud. Images of book
  covers. Easy to sort results.
• I able to find all of my resources
•  Not much other than it's easy.
•  Large print, colorful, subject cloud on left
  resembles other dztabases.

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Campus feedback - positive

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• I like I can find things

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campus feedback - negative

• Not good for subject matter and browsing
• I was not sure how interpret some of the
  information -- it confused me and was it useful
  to the user. Seems like the search was broader
  and I am not sure how to make the search more
  narrow.
• lack of instructions, explanations
• I have no idea what went wrong when it didn't
  find what I was looking for. No information about
  partial matches, despite the search tips.
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• tell us what it is and how it works, plz.

9
Campus feedback - negative

• It should be clearly linked to on-line resources.
  No one goes to the library anymore. More journals
  should be on-line

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Website integration

• your users stay on your library site 
• can add Meebo chat to the "no-results" page 
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• What if your patrons searches bought up the
  contact information for a subject librarian?

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Tracking failed searches

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Tracking user paths

• Weblog analysis
• Google Analytics
• SUNY Cortland user path data
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Interface Features (online demo)

• Abstract/summary on results page
• Tag cloud
• Facets
• Search form re-populated
• Google Books previews
• Spellcheck
• Citation/bibliography links
• Direct metadata (author name, subject words)
  links
• Search results as RSS feeds
• OpenURL/COinS (Zotero compatible)
• Embedded Amazon suggestions/Google Books results
• Optimized print media CSS

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Hosting and Continued Development

• IDS and OLIS exploring options for central hosted
  site
• Target go live date January 2010
• Open Source project
• Self-hosting options
• Local campus PHP server
• 3rd party hosted (LISHost, hostgator, etc.)
• Local development, uploaded to central server
  (Subversion, other collaboration options)
• Submit feature suggestions to development team
  (but we will actually listen to you!)

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Online Demos

• http//www.sunybroome.edu/library/search/projects/
  xsearch/form.php
• http//www.sunybroome.edu/library/search/projects/
  worldcat/form.php
• http//www.sunybroome.edu/c2/form.php 
• http//www.buffalostate.edu/library/collections/ba
  rd.php
• http//www.sunybroome.edu/s/start.php?oclc_symbol
  YSYscopegroupgroup_member0YSYgroup_member1
  BNG
• http//www.sunybroome.edu/library/x_reports/report
  _form.html

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Questions Discussion

• Contact Us
•  
• Michael Curtis
• Systems Librarian
• Broome Community College
• curtis_m_at_sunybroome.edu
• 607-778-5609
•  
• Amanda Hollister
• Web Service Librarian
• SUNY Cortland
• Amanda.Hollister_at_cortland.edu
• 607-753-5717