Objective
The project will develop a general software package (tool) that allows existing OPAC's to act as SR targets. The project will also develop a SR client, with a Graphical User Interface, that allows end users to access the OPAC.
The SR target tool will be based on a description of the OPAC characteristics (e.g. access points) stored in a dictionary with a well defined structure. This dictionary will contain all relevant data that are needed to translate the SR requests (e.g. a search) in to commands that can be managed by the target OPAC. Depending on the structure of the existing library software (e.g. existence or not of an API interface) minor or major pieces of code specific to the OPAC must be written.
The SR client will have a Graphical User Interface and will provide functionality to define target libraries domains. Access for end users will be facilitated when addressing their requests to the remote OPACs by using those domain definitions. This client will also use the dictionary defined for the SR target software in order to validate the user request locally.
Impact and results:
The portability of the ARCA software, made possible by the dictionary and by minimal API definition, will greatly increase the number of OPACs with SR server functionality - and, in association, the number of users able to search remote OPACs.
In addition, the project will provide a detailed assessment of the benefits for end-users of working in an open library environment.
Deliverables
The main deliverable will be the fully-tested prototype. Coding, executable files and the dictionary appertaining to this are confidential. In the public domain, in line with project progress, deliverables will be:
SR target requirements and architectural specifications;
SR target dictionary schema;
SR target detailed design;
API specification;
Specifications of requirements and architecture for the user interface application;
Final report.
Technical approach:
The project consists of four work-packages, each divided into a number of tasks:
SR target development
System requirements specification
Architectural specification
Detailed design
Implementation of kernel and dictionary
Implementation of Sabini and CDS-ISIS interfaces
Integration and test
User interface application
Requirements
Architecture
Implementation
User manual.
Assessment
Evaluation by individual project associates
Aggregated report.
Information dissemination
Professional journals
Conferences, seminars and similar events
To SIGs (Special Interest Groups)
Key issues:
Upgrading existing library systems, with OPAC functions, to act a SR servers;
Definition and implementation of a client which provides a user friendly interface;
SR client access to multiple SR servers.
Documentation is available from the contact below and from http://www.pisa.intecs.it/projects/ARCA
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
Data not availableCoordinator
56100 Pisa
Italy