The message earlier today about Extenza partnering with Google follows the
recent one about Crossref doing the same. There is a lot of talk about
libraries, through catalogues or portals, making searching more Google-like
since that simple approach is all many users can cope or be bothered with.
However, the more academic content there is in Google - or other search
services - just maybe the less we need library based solutions, especially
as authentication/authorisation seems to be incorporated. (I thought at
first the publishers were giving free access to all!). Some appropriate
advanced search features would be desirable, but then that would also reduce
the simplicity!
An article on the Crossref initiative also ponders on Crossref having their
own database or search service.
(http://www.infotoday.com/newsbreaks/nb040503-1.shtml)
These ideas are not going to provide ToC browsing or anything too
sophisticated; users will get even more requests for payment for
unsubscribed titles than now; ejournal entries may be buried way down
results lists and there are all sorts of other practical problems, but I
guess we need to monitor these concepts. The Crossref article suggests
feedback will be sought from librarians and others.
Interesting possibilities!
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Ian Winship, Electronic Services Manager
Learning Resources, Northumbria University
City Campus Library, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
email: [log in to unmask]
tel: 0191 227 4150 fax: 0191 227 4563
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