Federated Searching and 360 Search

The 360 Search platform begins with one simple search box that allows patrons to find articles and books from multiple sources, including the library catalog, online databases and book stores like Amazon.com. Subject catagories have been designed for users who have a specific field of study. In each subject field the library has selected specific databases that are most likely to return relevant material in a subject area. Users can elect to search all the databases listed or choose to search how ever many they want.

When using a federated search engine our users find resources that they may never have discovered before. Library resources available to our students and faculty are numerous. The thousands of journals and books number 197,844 unique titles.

Federated searching can save our users time. Research is not easy, it requires discipline, critical thinking and analysis, all of which take time. Federated searching can eliminate wasted  time by identifying which databases will yield the greatest results, filtering out duplicate results, and searching for books at the same time as journal articles.  

A federated search is a good place to start researching. It doesn't require specialized search techniques or terminology. Knowledge of databases and their specific content isn't necessary. Users will be introduced to new resources that would otherwise go unnoticed.

The standard resources of the past are being used less as new resources are produced and found to be useful and efficient in obtaining information needs.