New Features of MetaLib Version 3 - a Tool for Integration of Electronic Information Resources

Author: Martin Ledínský,  Charles University Computer Centre, Czech Republic

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Abstract

MetaLib offers a comprehensive tool for integration of local and remote information resources in libraries.

MetaLib offers three access points for various purposes of use. A WWW interface intended for end users (library patrons etc.) presents a unified working environment where users can simultaneously search many heterogeneous resources with single query language and get the results in unified format. Users can process the result sets in several ways and use relevant extended services in different information systems. Z39.50 interface is designed for communication with other systems especially for retrieving and copy cataloging of bibliographic records (with utilization of wide portfolio of Z39.50 resources configured in). The third interface is the universal API. With the API, various information systems are able to communicate and utilize MetaLib functionality independently on the native WWW interface. MetaLib can be integrated into existing portals or products and services (e. g. library portal).

MetaLib is an ideal integrating solution both for separate libraries and consortia. Consortia members are fully independent in the way their users access electronic collections. MetaLib is seamlessly integrated with SFX(r) to allow onward navigation from records that MetaLib has retrieved. SFX-the original OpenURL link server-provides users with context-sensitive services such as links to the fulltext of article, the OPAC (for local holdings), preferred document-delivery suppliers, web-based resources, local information repositories, and more.

About the author

Graduated from Higher Vocational School of Information Services, Library services specialization. Now a student of Bachelor Program of the Institute of Information Studies and Librarianship, Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague. From 2002 he has worked at Charles University Computer Centre at Department of library applications. He supports T-Series and Aleph library systems and works on configuration of MetaLib portal at Uniform Information Gateway project (http://www.jib.cz).