Link Resolvers: Serials Link Resolvers: Serials SolutionsSolutions

Aine Finucane

Acquisitions Librarian

University of Limerick

LIR Annual Seminar 2005

Why Serials Solutions?Why Serials Solutions?Purchased A to Z list - the summer of 2002HTML file of journals available through

database aggregatorsRationale:

– Lack of staff and time– Cost effectiveness

They seemed to know what we needed before we did!

E Journal AMSE Journal AMS

An easy to use web based serviceLimited technical expertise requiredFacility to add print holdingsExcellent technical supportNext day updatingFacility to download MARC recordsE Journal portal

What is an OpenURL?What is an OpenURL? Standardized way of constructing a URL to

describe a specific item, usually an article or journal

A means for transporting data consistently for processing by an OpenURL link resolver(Serials Solutions)

Several OpenURL Resolvers:– Ex Libris – SFX– Ebsco – LinkSource– Serials Solutions - Article Linker

What is Article Linker?What is Article Linker?

“Serials Solution Article Linker is a full-feature OpenURL link resolver that seamlessly links all of your library resources. When a user finds a citation or reference to a specific article, Article Linker supplies the best available path to the content, anywhere in your collection. Users no longer need to search between databases or repeat searches using different search engines and search methods.”

© 2000-05 Serials Solutions, Inc.© 2000-05 Serials Solutions, Inc.

Why Article Linker?Why Article Linker?Happy with Serials Solutions experience

and eager to try new servicesCost effectiveLimited technical expertise required We were encouraged by such quotes as:

“Article Linker revolutionized our library service in about 15 minutes.”

Susan Scheiburg, Assistant Library Director, RAND Corporation

Implementation CostImplementation Cost

Initial cost - €4,400 for 7,001-10,000 titlesMaintenance of A-Z list & Article Linker Ownership changes: Serials Solutions,

Bowker, ProquestNo change in the quality of the service10,001-15,000 title pricing tier this year

ImplementationImplementation We implemented Article Linker in Autumn 2003 A set-up form, telephone call and email from

Serials Solutions Two types of set-up:

– Do it yourself on the administrator page, e.g. Ebsco.– Contact the provider, e.g. Science Direct

Items required in both cases:– Base URL - points OpenURL to Serials Solutions:

http://WA9AE9UV9T.search.serialssolutions.com/– Text or Hyperlink information e.g “Find Full Text”

In Action…In Action…

Examples of Article Linker:• ISI Web of Knowledge• CINAHL

Usage StatisticsUsage Statistics

Serials Solutions delivers comprehensive usage statistics which allow us to:• Discover how often users search for e-journals• Recognise when they are searching• Identify the tools they are using• Discover what they are searching for• Overlap analysis

Future DevelopmentsFuture Developments

Inhouse Z39.50 Search - involving Talis and Serials Solution

Central Search - Serials Solutions are working on a federated search engine

Further customisation of e-journal portal and results page

Serials Solutions ILL form Addition of further services as a result of IReL

initiative