We share the same concerns as Janet. Here is a copy of the main points in a message to Leslie Strauss of III in April after we had
investigated Advanced Keyword Searching with a view to installing it this summer. In fact, we decided to delay this for the time being -
we'll come back to it again later. Do let me know if you find there is a way of having Advanced KW and existing keyword searching
co-existing - III were quite definite that this could not be done and we thought maybe they only co-existed on sites which have been
beta-testing for III.
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Anne Turner, Learning Centre Systems Manager
Sheffield Hallam University, Adsetts Centre, City Campus, Pond Street,
Sheffield, S1 1WB
tel. 0114 225 2118, fax. 0114 225 3859
international +44 114 225 2118
[log in to unmask]
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Dear Leslie,
You gave a deadline of 17th April for sites to respond to you about implementing Advanced Searching. We have considered this and have come
to the conclusion that we would prefer to delay this. Our reasons are as follows:
1) On the whole, apart from a few relatively minor reservations, we are pleased with the current keyword index functionality which seems to
work well for our users. We were told at time of purchase that Advanced Searching would be an add-on and not a replacement for the existing
keyword index. The fact that it is in fact a replacement and has different default search criteria from the existing keyword index means
that we feel we need a longer lead time to assess the likely impact and the implications for design, help screens, staff and patron
training, etc.
2. Although the additional functionality is impressive and useful, we feel there are currently drawbacks to both its available types of
search.
a. The simple Alta Vista search does not appear to offer the user any search limiting criteria or sort choices, so although it should be
simple to get acceptable search results in the same way as the current keyword search (particularly with a default relevance sort), it is in
some respects still incomplete. [Comment: This search assumes a default OR, but a relevance sort of the results brings the items with all or
most of the terms entered to the top of the list.}
b. The search syntax for Boolean searching (both Simple and Advanced versions)could be difficult for some of our users to grasp and use
effectively, especially as the default search assumes adjacency [phrase searching] (though it does offer the user search prelimiting and
sorting options). This search is not incomplete in the same way as a., but it is more complex for users to understand how to get good
results.
3. The Advanced Keyword search types do not yet include the synonym facility or the no hits browse screen which our users have currently.
etc.
Anne
Further comment: The simple Alta Vista search (default OR) could well turn out to be quite intuitive and a good substitute for the current
keyword searching - better in some ways since it could retrieve items containing only some of the search terms entered, and the relevance
sort would then put the 'most relevant' matches to the top of the list. But it does need to have search limiting and sorting functionality
included. The Boolean search option (default PHRASE)could then act as an Advanced search mode where users might reasonably be expected to go
into more depth on search methodology in order to achieve greater control of their search.
-----Original Message-----
From: Janet Aucock [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 16 June 2000 12:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Advanced Keyword searching
I am interested in getting some feedback from other sites as to their plans
to implement Advanced Keyword Searching.
We planned to do this in late summer and to have it as an extra advanced
search option in addition to the existing keyword search.
However we have now had it confirmed from the Bristol Office that "Advanced
searching cannot co-exist with the current keyword search"
There seems to be no option for having both keyword searches.
We feel that the downside of this as far as our users are concerned is that
they will have to explicitly use the AND operator and type it into each
search.
Advanced Keyword has the advantages of sophisticated searching but we
wonder if this might be too sophisticated for a large proportion of our
users who require simple keyword searching.
Jonathan Jiras posted a message to the IUG list with relevant URLS of sites
using Advanced Keyword. I list them below. Interestingly one of these
sites, Colorado State, does seem to be operating both original and Advanced
Keyword. I have passed this information on to Innovative and they should be
investigating how this has been achieved.
Here's a list of URLs going directly to the Advanced Keyword index.
Scripps Research Institute: <http://scripps.iii.com/search/X>
Howard Univ. School of Law: <http://daniel.law.howard.edu/search/X>
University of Washington: <http://catalog.lib.washington.edu/search/X>
Colorado State University: <http://129.82.243.2:5701/search/X>
OhioLINK Central Catalog: <http://olc1.ohiolink.edu:5701/search/X>
Kent State University: <http://kentlink.kent.edu/search/X>
Simmons College: <http://library.simmons.edu/search/X>
I would welcome your comments.
Janet Aucock
Janet Aucock
Systems Manager and Head of Cataloguing
University Library
North Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9TR
Tel. work: 01334 462299/462315
Tel. home: 01334 828742
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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