Federated Search
A federated search is the simultaneous searching of multiple online databases, with the facility to see a list of returns from each source with clickable links that will connect directly to the source database.
From the perspective of an organisation who want to make their database available for federated searches, they need to be able to expose selected data to the outside world in a way that can be interrogated by a federated search engine. iBase have a proprietary off the shelf solution for this which will work with any of its Online Library or Cataloguing databases, or a custom build can be supplied for non-iBase databases.
The iBase solution
iBase Media Services use a REST (Representational State Transfer) server to enable searching of an iBase Online Library or Cataloguing System database by external search engines. The advantages of using a REST server include:
- - No matter how dynamic the source databases are, searches automatically generate returns using the current state, and so there is never any need for special updates of the source databases.
- - Implementation is straightforward, using standard XML protocols.
- - Once implemented a REST Server requires no effort at all to maintain it.
- - Diagram of federated searching with a REST Server.
Detailed technical specification for the iBase REST server.
Live examples of federated searching
Here are some live examples of federated searching which use an iBase REST server.
National Museums Online Learning Project
The National Museums Online Learning Project has a federated search feature on its Creative Spaces website. iBase REST server software on the Royal Armouries database enables searches from Creative Spaces to search and return records from it. Try searching for 'armour', then click Royal Armouries under "Filter results by museum". Clicking 'View larger image' under any thumbnail takes you direct to that item on the Royal Armouries site.
Manchester Metropolitan University Library
Manchester Metropolitan University Library have an iBase REST Server on their iBase digital image library. This enables it to be included in simultaneous searches of several sources via a federated search portal.
The federated search engine used by MMU can be seen here http://149.170.166.2/TalisPrism/. Here is a step by step example of using it, or of course you can experiment with your own choices.
- Enter the search term 'Salviati' without the quotes.
- In the Source drop down box click My Library Catalogue and, whilst holding the Ctrl key down also click on Library Digital Images. The search will then use both of those source. As many sources as are required can be selected, and there could be an 'All' option.
- For this example all other fields can be left as they are.
- Hit Search, and you'll see returns from 'My Library Catalogue' and from 'Library Digital Images'.
- Select Library Digital Images from the results bar on the left, and you are presented with thumbnails of the objects.
- Clicking either the thumb or the link beside it will take you directly to the MMU Library's digital image site.
For further information about iBase products please contact us at sales@ibase.com or call +44 (0) 1943 603636