Abstract: An automated tool for analyzing inter-library loan (ILL) transactions to identify holding needs for a library. The automated tool may be used in conjunction with a bibliographic database that comprises data related to inter-library loan requests and document orders. Libraries have the ability to compare borrowing requests over time to identify acquisition priorities, compare borrowing requests based on age, subject, serial, and nonserial items, analyze items the library is borrowing, and analyze items the library is lending. ILL request data may be analyzed by date, by frequency, and by cost. The library may then decide to acquire additional holdings for its collection based on the analyses of ILL transaction data.

Abstract: A system and method for trans-factor ranking of search results. Any number of attributes of items in a database being searched may be synthesized into a uniquely suitable ordering that brings relevant and authoritative results to the top of the list whenever such results exist in the database. The manner in which the attributes are used to create this ordering may be varied by users to tailor the ranking to their needs, and by database providers to take advantage of unique database contents. Attributes that are not in the database may be created dynamically and used to synthesize the order, based on the intersection between attributes that do exist in the database and attributes that are associated with the user or database manager. Attenuation and amplification factors are applied to attributes to control rankings. A multi-ranking interleaver determines a final ordering when more than one ranking strategy is used.

Abstract: An improved system and method for name searching. The system and method comprise software routines and a database of names with special indexes to support name-based searches. The special indexes are created using phonetic, nicknames and misspelling algorithms. A software search routine applies progressively fuzzier searches, and ranks the intermediate results according to popularity of names and closeness of names in the query to name records in the database, eliminating unsuitable names, until a predetermined number of candidate names have been found. Highly relevant results are returned even when the user provides incomplete, errant, or exactly matching search queries for the name as indexed. The system and method may be used in any information retrieval system or service that indexes and presents names in search results.

Abstract: An automated system for assisting libraries and vendors with selection and acquisition of materials. Communications between vendors and libraries are accomplished through a networked computer library service. Material vendors send notification items to the computer library service for distribution to selectors at member libraries. The computer library service loads the vendor notification items for each library into a selection application. Librarians involved in materials selection for their libraries access the selection application to view notification records comprising notification items for their collection areas. Selectors take actions on notification records such as selecting, rejecting, forwarding, or deferring them. Library acquisitions staff export selected notification records, load them into each library's integrated library system, and complete the order electronically from the integrated library system.

Abstract: A service registry that supports updating and sharing of profile data with partners. The registry allows organizations such as libraries and consortia to manage and share data that define their organizations (e.g., institution type, location, main and branch institutions, URLs for electronic services, circulation statistics, and population served). Organizations share a RSS-enabled obfuscated link with their partners that enables the partners to access a page with the latest institutional profile, and to be notified when it is updated. The obfuscation of the RSS feed provides a notification while keeping the data private. Every time a user creates an institutional profile, an equivalent RSS-enabled page is generated that can be reached through a RSS feed that has an obfuscated link name. The user shares this link with the institution's partners and others that have a need to know the information and to access details about the institution and its services.

Abstract: A system and method for trans-factor ranking of search results. Any number of attributes of items in a database being searched may be synthesized into a uniquely suitable ordering that brings relevant and authoritative results to the top of the list whenever such results exist in the database. The manner in which the attributes are used to create this ordering may be varied by users to tailor the ranking to their needs, and by database providers to take advantage of unique database contents. Attributes that are not in the database may be created dynamically and used to synthesize the order, based on the intersection between attributes that do exist in the database and attributes that are associated with the user or database manager. Attenuation and amplification factors are applied to attributes to control rankings. A multi-ranking interleaver determines a final ordering when more than one ranking strategy is used.

Abstract: A controlled vocabulary abstract hyperlink is a variety of hyperlink that is directed to a redirection facility when selected. The hyperlink redirection facility is a redirection facility for directing the controlled vocabulary abstract hyperlink in a modified format to a service provider. The controlled vocabulary abstract hyperlink may be embellished and encapsulated in a “controlled vocabulary abstract hyperlink.” The hyperlink redirection facility makes a determination of which service provider to use to service the request associated with the controlled vocabulary abstract hyperlink by examining user preferences, if any. The controlled vocabulary abstract hyperlink is then passed onto a service provider, which translates the request into an appropriate format for a selected service provider that has been identified by the hyperlink redirection facility. The service provider processes the request and returns results to the user.