March 17 2010 ( SEATTLE) – Serials Solutions’ Summon web-scale discovery service has pioneered a new feature that expands exploration of library collections even further. The Summon service’s new Database Recommender points users to not only the indexed content in a library’s collection, but also to valuable, targeted research tools that are rarely captured by any discovery service – all within the context of a single search. Now, a user’s Summon search will return the specific books and articles that are relevant along with a list of recommended databases to consult for additional pertinent information.
"Database Recommender addresses an issue that plagues all discovery solutions, whether it’s web-scale discovery or federated search or something in between: the inability to access all of the electronic content a library holds in a single search," said Jane Burke, senior vice-president, Serials Solutions. "This database discovery function points users to specialized resources that can assist their research, whether they’re indexed by Summon or not. By highlighting these sources for researchers, Summon is able to provide the best search experience possible, inspiring users to return to the library for every research task."
Through the Summon service, users are able to use a single entrance to the library’s collections, searching all formats in one integrated and instant search. Search results are returned in less than a second and now include not only indexed content, but advice on databases held by the library that are particularly pertinent to their research. This latest feature of the Summon service showcases sources that don’t lend themselves to be indexed by any service—such as dynamic or statistical databases – but make the library so well fitted to its academic community. In keeping with the Summon service’s uncomplicated interface, recommendations are integrated in the results screen and a mouse click takes users to the resource’s home page.
Database Recommender is the latest innovation to the service libraries are embracing as their path to bringing students and faculty back to the library as the starting point for research. The Summon service was built from scratch using an entirely new technology architecture that delivers a search experience rivaling those found on the Open Web. Rather than federated search, the Summon service is powered by a massive single index that enables sub-second searches and completely unbiased results.
Called "absolutely fantastic1," "superb2" and "the best method3" by students around the world, the Summon service can transform a library’s search experience in a proven, six-week set-up. The service provides simplicity and portability (with a new mobile interface) for users and exposes the breadth of the library’s content, allowing more resources to be discovered – a boon for libraries, who want to get more from collection investments, and publishers, who want to drive greater usage. To learn more visit http://www.serialssolutions.com/summon.
________________________________________
1 Unsolicited feedback from student Heather H. at Edith Cowan University, Western Australia.
2 Unsolicited feedback from student Ellis P. "Your loyal Summon fan" at University of Calgary, Canada.
3 Unsolicited feedback from student at University of Liverpool, UK.
About Serials Solutions
Founded by a librarian for librarians in 2000, Serials Solutions is the global leader in E-Resource Access and Management Services (ERAMS) that serves more than 2,000 libraries of all sizes and types. Serials Solutions KnowledgeWorks, the authoritative e-resource knowledgebase, is the foundation for Serials Solutions 360, the only complete and integrated e-resource access and management solution. The company also recently introduced the Summon web-scale discovery service, a revolutionary tool that provides instant access to the full breadth of the library’s collection through a single search.
Serials Solutions is the exclusive source for the AquaBrowser unified discovery interface as well as Ulrichsweb.com and Ulrich's Serials Analysis System. It provides fast implementation, easy customization, and outstanding value to libraries throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.serialssolutions.com or call 1-866-SERIALS. Serials Solutions is a business unit of ProQuest LLC.