Renardus: cross-browsing European subject gateways via a common classification system (DDC)

This paper presents the approach and first results of the classification mapping process in the EU project Renardus. The outcome in Renardus is a cross-browsing feature based on the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and improved subject searching across distributed and heterogeneous European subject gateways. The paper presents the project's initial experiences and decisions, e.g. an investigation of the use of classification systems by Renardus partners' gateways, general mapping approaches and issues, the definition of mapping relationships and some information on technical solutions and the mapping tool. There is also a demonstration of the use of the mapping information in Renardus and the presentation of several features that have been implemented to aid end-user navigation in a large and deep browsing structure like the DDC. Classification mapping for crossbrowsing is a labour intensive and complex effort which at the moment raises many open questions and leaves many more future potential work tasks than completed useful solutions

Searching and browsing multiple subject gateways in the Renardus service

This paper describes the main features of the Renardus cross-search and cross-browse service. Renardus is made up of a number of participating subject gateway services. Cross searching is based on the Z39.50 protocol. A review of data models in use by partner services helped define a minimum set of Dublin Core-based metadata elements that could be utilised as a common model for the Renardus service. This provides the basic infrastructure for interoperability between all participating gateways. The Renardus Service also uses classification mapping to enable subject browsing across all gateways with the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). The paper outlines the use of classification systems by Renardus partner gateways, the general mapping approaches taken by the project, the definition of mapping relationships, and technical solutions. There follows a description of how the mapping information is used within Renardus and several features that have been implemented to aid end-user navigation in deep subject-browsing structures