Case Study
iCONN, Connecticut's Research Engine, Uses AGent
Search(TM) Technology to Streamline Searching of Electronic Databases
Initial Challenge
iCONN, Connecticut's Research Engine, a joint project of the
Connecticut State Library and the Department of Higher Education, was
established in 2000, when the Connecticut General Assembly provided funding for
the purchase of licensed information databases for Connecticut's libraries,
schools and colleges. iCONN was founded to ensure a core level of information
resources, including secured access to licensed databases, was available to
every citizen in Connecticut. It is administered by the Connecticut State
Library in conjunction with the Department of Higher Education.
With a significant investment and impressive collection of
licensed information databases available to the residents of Connecticut, iCONN
realized that in order to manage and share these databases effectively, they
would need a federated search tool that would allow simultaneous searching of
the state's library catalogs, licensed content databases and the internet from a
single-user interface. In 2003, iCONN formed a committee to evaluate various
federated search technologies available and initiated a daunting RFP process
that encompassed the existing statewide library catalog as well as federated
searching technology and secure authentication.
Solution
After a rigorous review process, iCONN selected
Auto-Graphics' AGent Search™ product to provide user-friendly federated
searching across all of Connecticut's available resources. Auto-Graphics,
already Connecticut State Library's statewide library catalog and interlibrary
loan system provider, was singled out among a wide range of competitive vendors
as the company most capable of meeting iCONN's requirements.
The integration of the AGent Search product provided iCONN
with the ability to offer residents easy access to reliable information from
anywhere. AGent Search's federated search functionality was seamlessly added
into the iCONN website interface, providing a consistent look and feel to the
overall search experience. The end result was an information portal with the
ability to search more than 25 licensed proprietary databases, as well as
simultaneously search free online resources, Connecticut member library
catalogs, Z39.50 targets, digital collections resources, archives and
proprietary content repositories.
"Auto-Graphics' tool for our statewide search portal allows
our patrons to search across all databases provided by the state in one fell
swoop. Through iCONN, Connecticut's library patrons have access to
authoritative, reputable content licensed by all of the state's libraries within
one convenient interface," remarked Carol Kubala, Interlibrary Loan Librarian,
Adult Services and ILL Cataloger for Saxton B. Little public library in
Connecticut. "iCONN is like a one-stop shop."
A key factor in selecting AGent Search was its unique and
flexible security functionality, which enables obtain access to resources
provided by iCONN with traditional library card authentication, iCONN recently
implemented a unique IP-based geolocation authentication functionality. The new
location-based intelligence allows residents to remotely access electronic
library resources from anywhere in Connecticut - without requiring a traditional
library card for authentication. AGent Search can validate individuals by
verifying their IP addresses through a global IP authentication method that
checks residents against a pool of in-state IP addresses. Once authenticated,
residents may search and access all authorized resources from a single, online
search interface.
"By utilizing this new technology for iCONN, we expect to
increase usage of our State-licensed resources and streamline patron access to
our online library resources, as well as make more information available to
those who cannot physically access a brick and mortar library," said Kendall F.
Wiggin, Connecticut State Librarian.
Results
Connecticut residents and students have conducted 64 million
searches through iCONN since its inception in July 2001, and usage in FY 2006
increased 75% over FY 2005 and 290% over FY 2004. The system simultaneously
searches the catalogs of all 435 libraries represented in the statewide library
catalog, as well as almost all other electronic resources made available by the
state, while delivering aggregated and configurable results. Furthermore, AGent
Search provides comprehensive statistical reporting capabilities, allowing iCONN
to assess and refine subscriptions to resources that are most frequently used by
residents.
"Converting to the company's AGent™ web-based library
automation platform for the ILL and federated search capabilities has provided
us with accurate and detailed information on our consortium's holdings. The
solution has more robust, standards-based functionality and an intuitive,
user-friendly tool for our patrons, which has been paramount to mass adoption
and patron satisfaction. We have the additional benefit of having the entire
solution available to us on a fully hosted ASP basis, taking the IT,
administrative and maintenance hassles off our shoulders." commented Kendall F.
Wiggin, Connecticut State Librarian.
"We're fortunate to have been able to provide continued
service to the state of Connecticut, helping them achieve the goal of creating a
far-reaching, state-wide digital library to meet the needs of an increasingly
technology-savvy populace, " stated Auto-Graphics' President Paul Cope. "We are
delighted to see the impressive growth in the number of residents taking
advantage of iCONN and our AGent platform capabilities over the last few years.
We look forward to continuing a long partnership with iCONN and its members."
Solution Accolades
iCONN was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from the
Affiliate Assembly of the American Association of School Librarians, a division
of the American Library Association. The Certificate was awarded "in recognition
of valuable contributions to the field of school librarianship." The
accompanying letter further stated that "[by] providing an online database of
reference materials and journals free to every school and home in the state, you
are giving everyone equal access to a wealth of materials. With school districts
struggling with budget constraints, this service means that no matter the
socioeconomic status of a locality, quality information is available to all."
Auto-Graphics provides resource management solutions to
customers across multiple industries, including a range of library markets such
as public, academic, school, special and consortia, as well as financial,
publishing, aerospace and manufacturing.
www.auto-graphics.com