Engineering an Open Web Syndication Interchange with Discovery and Recommender Capabilities

Web syndication has become a popular means of delivering relevant information to people online but the complexity of standards, algorithms and applications pose considerable challenges to engineers.  This paper describes the design and development of a novel Web-based syndication intermediary called InterSynd and a simple Web client as a proof of concept. We developed format-neutral middleware that sits between content sources and the user. Additional objectives were to add feed discovery and recommendation components to the intermediary. A search-based feed discovery module helps users find relevant feed sources. Implicit collaborative recommendations of new feeds are also made to the user. The syndication software built uses open standard XML technologies and the free open source libraries. Extensibility and re-configurability were explicit goals. The experience shows that a modular architecture can combine open source modules to build state-of-the-art syndication middleware and applications. The data produced by software metrics indicate the high degree of modularity retained

The Impact of Web-Scale Discovery on the Use of Electronic Resources

In 2015, the University of California, Berkeley, launched EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), a web-scale discovery tool, with a goal of improving visibility and usage of collections. This study applies linear regression analysis to usage data for ebooks, ejournals, and abstracts and indexing (A&I) databases before and after implementation of EDS in order to identify correlations between the discovery layer and usage of library electronic resources across platforms. Our findings diverge from conclusions drawn in the previous literature that indicate that resource use generally increases after a discovery tool is implemented. We examine data from a longer period of time than the previous literature had, looking for statistically significant changes in resource use. The discovery layer at UC Berkeley did not lead to equal increases across platforms, but rather to a complex array of increases and decreases in use according to a variety of factors.

Information Outlook, October 2006

Volume 10, Issue 10https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_io_2006/1009/thumbnail.jp

Global Diffusion of the Internet XV: Web 2.0 Technologies, Principles, and Applications: A Conceptual Framework from Technology Push and Demand Pull Perspective

Web 2.0, the current Internet evolution, can be described by several key features of an expanded Web that is more interactive; allows easy social interactions through participation and collaboration from a variety of human sectors; responds more immediately to users\u27 queries and needs; is easier to search; and provides a faster, smoother, realistic and engaging user search capability, often with automatic updates to users. The purpose of this study is three-fold. First, the primary goal is to propose a conceptual Web 2.0 framework that provides better understanding of the Web 2.0 concept by classifying current key components in a holistic manner. Second, using several selective key components from the conceptual framework, this study conducts case analyses of Web 2.0 applications to discuss how they have adopted the selective key features (i.e., participation, collaboration, rich user experience, social networking, semantics, and interactivity responsiveness) of the conceptual Web 2.0 framework. Finally, the study provides insightful discussion of some challenges and opportunities provided by Web 2.0 to education, business, and social life

Towards a Geocentric Mobile Syndication System

International audienceThe present paper proposes a new approach towards filtering and processing the ever growing quantity of data published from mobile devices before it even reaches the Internet. We tackle this issue by circumscribing data to the zone where it is published (geocentricity) and allowing mobile device owners to republish the data they deem relevant (syndication). Results we obtained through simulation show that our solution enables to extract information that is relevant for a majority of users, whilst allowing less relevant data to be exchanged on a more local scale before it disappears entirely

The Application of Drupal to Website Development in Academic Libraries

Drupal is one of top tech topics in libraries right now. Academic libraries think very carefully about how they design their websites, and more and more libraries look at Drupal as a framework for their website development, as well as a cohesive interface for gathering content coming from different silos. In this paper we highlight the high degree of similarity that we observed across the websites of academic libraries in the United States, and we analyze the use of open source content management systems, with an emphasis on Drupal, in the development of these websites

A National Library for Australian Educational Research.

The Australian Council for Educational Research – www.acer.edu.au – is Australia’s national educational research organisation. Its mission is to “create and promote research-based knowledge, products and services that can be used to improve learning”. The ultimate goal of ACER’s work is to improve outcomes for learners. We do this through reliable, scientific research and through the development of products and services grounded in dependable research. We create and disseminate research-based knowledge and develop and offer a variety of research-based professional resources and services. The Cunningham Library serves the ACER and as such is Australia’s national library for educational research. It is a unique, comprehensive collection of Australian educational research material dating from the early 1900s to the present day. The vast resources of Cunningham Library offer the researcher an up to date collection to support educational research. ACER is a national research organisation which has a corporate structure – a non-profit company – and is not financially supported by government. The Cunningham Library is not only a national research library, but is funded directly by research activity. A major research library both supports research and disseminates it. This paper demonstrates the role of the Cunningham Library – see www.acer.edu.au/library - in both providing access to information to support research, and playing a major role in disseminating research. The Library is embedded in the learning and research process by having a close alignment of corporate and library goals, and through its development and dissemination of knowledge-based products and services. Examples include databases such as the Library Catalogue, the Australian Thesaurus of Educational Descriptors (ATED) and the Database of International Education (DRIE) which are available for searching free of charge from the Library website; others, such as the Australian Education Index are available through subscription or included in the Library Membership. This paper describes these resources and services, and outlines new approaches being developed, such as online publishing initiatives: for example, the Australasian Education Directory (AED); and online content of international interest: for example, EdResearch Online, the Australian research repository of resources in Australian education, and others