Newsline from EDINA
November 2005: Volume 10, Issue 3
EDINA > News > Newsline > Newsline 10.3 > GetRef helps users find bibliographic databases
GetRef helps users find bibliographic databases
GetRef is a federated search tool developed for the JISC community by EDINA to search bibliographic databases and related resources. Version 2 is now available for trial.
EDINA has been working with selected trial sites to test and revise GetRef to ensure that functionality meets user needs and to maximise accessibility of the GetRef interface. GetRef now offers over 330 pre-configured databases; EDINA staff respond to requests from user sites for databases not already covered by GetRef.
Among the new features of GetRef are:
- Institutional profiling of the user interface, enabling institutions to customise GetRef in several areas:
- Support for ATHENS Single Sign On (SSO), including Devolved Authentication (DA)
- Addition of content to the page banner, including logos, text and links, can be used for badging and to provide links to local help pages and support materials
- Categorisation of target databases to facilitate targeting of e.g. subject areas
- Provision of additional content in key areas of the user interface, e.g. the search results page may be used to raise awareness of resources that are not searchable by GetRef
- Choosing from a variety of user interface preferences such as types of controls used and positioning of components.
- A redesigned interface with a focus on accessibility which meets WAI requirements throughout. As well as updated styling, the new version includes improved and innovative ergonomics.
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Dublin Core XML record format as an option for z record retrieval which complies with metadata standards specifications for the JISC Information Environment.
GetRef is available to all UK Higher and Further Education Institutions free of charge until 31 July 2006. To organise a trial of GetRef please contact the EDINA helpdesk.
