A Study On Web-based Platform For Integrated Information Retrieval

Libraries now face a dilemma. On one hand, libraries subscribe to many types of information retrieval systems that are produced by various providers. Libraries build their data and information systems independently, which results in highly heterogeneous and distributed systems at the technical level and at the conceptual level. On the other hand, end users want to access all these heterogeneous data via a union interface, without having to know the structure of each information system or the different retrieval methods supported by the systems. Libraries must achieve a harmony between information providers and users. People are eager to one-stop obtain information needed from the integrated information retrieval platform.Integrated information retrieval platform can integrate multiple search requests into a union search platform. In other words, this application can deliver a user' s query to those heterogeneous databases, deal with search results and merge results sets before returning them to the user. As far as users are concerned, various databases are transparent. A user does not need to know different automated retrieval methods applied by different databases. What a user sees is a just single, simple search interface.The paper is divided into six parts.The first part outlines researches on integrated information retrieval and its platform, analyzes the concept and characteristics of integrated information retrieval, the meaning and characteristics of integrated information retrieval platform. What the author emphasizes here is that a perfect integrated information retrieval platform should have integrated and selective resources, convenient and quick retrieval, personalized and intellectual service, convenient and secure ofmanagement and maintenance.The next part mainly discusses the necessity and feasibility of researching and developing integrated information retrieval and platform from such respects as realistic information environment, agreements, standards and technological supports, etc.The third part outlines some functions that a perfect integrated information retrieval platform should have. Emphasis is placed on the multi- forms and omni-directional integration and link functions, advanced and integrated information retrieval, intellectual result processing capability, personalized information services and nimble management.In the fourth part, by comparing and analyzing some important integrated retrieval platforms at home and abroad, the author summarizes some characteristics of domestic and international integrated information platforms, analyses development trend of foreign integrated information retrieval platforms, and explains some weakness of domestic platform compared to those in foreign countries.The fifth part points out some existed problems in studying and developing integrated information retrieval platforms. Some suggestions are provided at the end of this part.In the last part, the author summarizes what have been discussed in the proceeding part, gives her conclusions and points out some issues for further study.