The Lien Ying Chow Library, Ngee Ann Polytechnic launched SuperSearch on 28 Apr 2006 to give its users a one-stop shopping experience for their information needs.

Prior to the launch of SuperSearch, users looking for information could only search the Library’s subscribed electronic databases one at a time.  At times, they may not be fully aware of the range of databases relevant to their topics of interest, or they may be deterred by having to understand the search syntax unique to each database.  Thus, the return on expensive investments in database subscriptions could not be optimally realized.  

The technology driving SuperSearch is the WebFeat federated search engine, from WebFeat. It links disparate information sources transparently through a single user interface, enabling simultaneous searching across different vendor’s databases upon executing a search.  We have customized our front-end to present databases by categories according to the academic disciplines and also by popular types of resources such as OPAC, e-books and newspapers.

After a year of implementation, we have observed a marked increase in the usage of many of the subscribed databases.  SuperSearch has features which overcome some major weaknesses normally encountered in a conventional search process: 

1. Simultaneous searching — users have the option to search on the default databases that have been pre-selected, or to select any other databases of interest for inclusion in the search. Savvy searchers who are familiar with the search features of the original databases could also click on hyperlinks to access the native mode to conduct their searches on the specific database.
2. Metasearching –- SuperSearch saves time and effort as users are now able to access and search databases more efficiently.  The response is fast, and searches are quick and convenient. The user who needs to do comprehensive research need not repeat the same search strategies across different databases. Searches are executed simultaneously across a number of databases at one go. 
3. Search syntax — users no longer have to grapple with different search syntax that differs across different vendors’ products.  Keywords or phrases are input into the search boxes, the Boolean operators have been defaulted and the search can be immediately executed. As some users have aptly feedback, “Make searching simple for me. I don’t want to grapple with strategies, just give me the info.” 
4. Search interface – the intuitive common user interface is an advantage. There is no need for users to re-orientate themselves to different search interfaces and no learning curves across different vendor’s products.

Some of the benefits to the Library from this implementation includes:

• SuperSearch has enabled the Library to reap maximum returns from the investments in database subscription costs.  It has raised the profile of all our subscribed databases, including the more obscure ones as they are now prominently displayed upfront. 
• Connectors to many databases are already available as WebFeat is an established search engine. Only connectors to local databases had to be developed. This greatly speeded up the implementation time. 
• The ASP business model meets our needs.  The licence fee over a three-years’ commitment period is only a quarter of the cost compared to a one-off pricing model.  This model has many advantages:
  • Relieves the Library of the complexities and manpower costs to maintain any hardware and software. 
  • 24×7 monitoring of the WebFeat database translators off-site, with self-executing upgrade files installed at the remote server. 
  • Upgrades are transparently implemented by the WebFeat technical team.  This ensures that when we access SuperSearch, the software version is always current and up-to-date.
  • Gives the Library freedom to migrate to other systems should there be other better federated search engines on the market in the future.    

SuperSearch has enhanced the virtual experience of our library users. Feedback from our users have been very positive:

“It is good, efficient and fast. We can save a lot of time searching.” Ling Sze Ling, Electronic & Computer Engineering Student

“One time search, comprehensive and convenient.” Sean, Early Childhood Education Student

“No more hassle and trouble doing projects!” Nurul Izzah, Early Childhood Education Student

“Super Search is very useful as it could cover and search through many areas at one go.” Yip Khai Yew, Business & Accountancy Lecturer

“No more hassle and trouble doing projects!” Koh Siew Kheng, Electronic & Computer Engineering Lecturer

Contributed by Agnes Ng, Circulation Manager, NP Library