Primo Partnership and Implementation At Vanderbilt University 4 Sept 2007 IGelU Brno, Czech Republic Marshall Breeding Director for Innovative Technology.

Primo Partnership and Primo Partnership and ImplementationImplementation

At Vanderbilt UniversityAt Vanderbilt University

4 Sept 20074 Sept 2007IGelUIGelU

Brno, Czech Brno, Czech RepublicRepublic

Marshall BreedingDirector for Innovative Technology and ResearchVanderbilt University Libraries

VU Libraries Strategic VU Libraries Strategic DirectionDirection

• Recently conducted a strategic Recently conducted a strategic planning processplanning process

• Serving Library patrons of utmost Serving Library patrons of utmost importanceimportance

• Some reorganization of committee Some reorganization of committee structure and decision making structure and decision making processprocess

LibQual+LibQual+

• Participation in LibQual+ indicated Participation in LibQual+ indicated the library’s service quality to be the library’s service quality to be excellent in most areasexcellent in most areas

• Some indicators and many Some indicators and many comments that our online catalog comments that our online catalog and Web site needed improvementand Web site needed improvement

Problems with the Status QuoProblems with the Status Quo

• A look and feel that may not meet the expectations A look and feel that may not meet the expectations of the current generation of Web-savvy users.of the current generation of Web-savvy users.

• Our current environment requires users to interact Our current environment requires users to interact with many different interfaces, and search many with many different interfaces, and search many different resources.different resources.

• Overly complex for some usersOverly complex for some users

• Not always intuitiveNot always intuitive

• Users have to go to different places to find different Users have to go to different places to find different kinds of information on a given topic: Acorn for kinds of information on a given topic: Acorn for books, “Articles and Databases” page for articles.books, “Articles and Databases” page for articles.

Library TrendsLibrary Trends

• Primo is consistent with the trend among libraries Primo is consistent with the trend among libraries to break out of the current mold of library catalogs to break out of the current mold of library catalogs and offer new interfaces better suited to the and offer new interfaces better suited to the expectations of library users. expectations of library users.

• Decoupling of the front-end interface from the Decoupling of the front-end interface from the back-end library automation system.back-end library automation system.

• Widespread dissatisfaction with most of the current Widespread dissatisfaction with most of the current OPACs. Many efforts toward next-generation OPACs. Many efforts toward next-generation catalogs and interfaces.catalogs and interfaces.

• Movement toward a single point of entry for library Movement toward a single point of entry for library collections and servicescollections and services

Dissatisfaction with MetaSearch Dissatisfaction with MetaSearch offeringsofferings

• Can’t a metasearch product solve the same Can’t a metasearch product solve the same problem?problem?

• Too slow, ComplexToo slow, Complex

• Presentation and ranking based on shallow Presentation and ranking based on shallow result setsresult sets

• Fundamental flaw in “distributed query” Fundamental flaw in “distributed query” federated searchfederated search

• Trend toward OAI-style harvesting to build Trend toward OAI-style harvesting to build centralized indexescentralized indexes

What does Primo offer What does Primo offer Vanderbilt?Vanderbilt?• Not just a replacement for the OPAC. A research Not just a replacement for the OPAC. A research

environment with a broader scope, more current search-environment with a broader scope, more current search-and-retrieval technologies, with an interface more in step and-retrieval technologies, with an interface more in step with other Web destinations. Incorporates “Web 2.0” with other Web destinations. Incorporates “Web 2.0” concepts.concepts.

• A new information discovery and delivery tool created by Ex A new information discovery and delivery tool created by Ex Libris.Libris.

• An environment for the discovery of information resources An environment for the discovery of information resources provided by the library.provided by the library.

• Provides a mechanism for the delivery of materials and Provides a mechanism for the delivery of materials and services for different types of collections including services for different types of collections including electronic, digital, and print materials.electronic, digital, and print materials.

• Works toward an environment that gives equal footing to Works toward an environment that gives equal footing to print and digital resourcesprint and digital resources

Primo consistent with VU Primo consistent with VU VisionVision• The vision of Primo addressed many of the The vision of Primo addressed many of the

concerns that we had with our current concerns that we had with our current environment and with the inherent environment and with the inherent problems in the current product offeringsproblems in the current product offerings

• Break down the silos betweenBreak down the silos between– Print and DigitalPrint and Digital– Local and RemoteLocal and Remote

• Consolidated search and information Consolidated search and information delivery environmentdelivery environment

• More like the interfaces library users see More like the interfaces library users see everywhere else on the Web.everywhere else on the Web.

Primo ContentPrimo Content

• Direct harvesting and indexing of different Direct harvesting and indexing of different information resourcesinformation resources– Initially the bibliographic and authority data of Unicorn Initially the bibliographic and authority data of Unicorn

and TV News abstractsand TV News abstracts– Other content sources added over timeOther content sources added over time

• Subscription based content brought in through Subscription based content brought in through integrated metasearch capabilities.integrated metasearch capabilities.

• Acorn and TV News are but the first steps toward Acorn and TV News are but the first steps toward developing an environment that provides fast developing an environment that provides fast access to multiple, diverse content sources.access to multiple, diverse content sources.

Primo isn’t a Dumbing down Primo isn’t a Dumbing down of the Catalogof the Catalog• Most Acorn searches are currently keywordMost Acorn searches are currently keyword• Primo offers a more sophisticated and effective Primo offers a more sophisticated and effective

keyword search engine.keyword search engine.– Relevancy ranking.Relevancy ranking.

• Faceted browsing provides a mechanism for users Faceted browsing provides a mechanism for users to navigate through and narrow search results. to navigate through and narrow search results. Faceted browsing has proven itself as a preferred Faceted browsing has proven itself as a preferred approach for Web-based information resources. approach for Web-based information resources. “Did you mean?” – beyond simple spell check: “Did you mean?” – beyond simple spell check: library specific approach for providing search library specific approach for providing search alternatives. [example]alternatives. [example]

• Makes use of Authority dataMakes use of Authority data• Incorporates FRBRIncorporates FRBR

Relationship to Acorn our Relationship to Acorn our Unicorn ILSUnicorn ILS• The native version of Unicorn iLink (WebCat) will The native version of Unicorn iLink (WebCat) will

continue to be available.continue to be available.• Data from Unicorn is replicated in Primo and kept Data from Unicorn is replicated in Primo and kept

up-to-date. All data retained and maintained in up-to-date. All data retained and maintained in Unicorn. Unicorn.

• Unicorn infrastructure continues to be the Unicorn infrastructure continues to be the mechanism for presenting library services related mechanism for presenting library services related to the physical collection: holds, renewals, annex to the physical collection: holds, renewals, annex requests, faculty book delivery.requests, faculty book delivery.

• An additional item display in Unicorn/iLink An additional item display in Unicorn/iLink (WebCat) will be created specifically for Primo that (WebCat) will be created specifically for Primo that is more consistent with the look and feel of Primo.is more consistent with the look and feel of Primo.

• Acorn is but one content component of Primo.Acorn is but one content component of Primo.

Similar effortsSimilar efforts

• North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University– Using Endeca Guided Search with UnicornUsing Endeca Guided Search with Unicorn

• AquaBrowser LibraryAquaBrowser Library– Used by hundreds of Public LibrariesUsed by hundreds of Public Libraries

• Encore by Innovative InterfacesEncore by Innovative Interfaces

• WorldCat Local – University of Washington, University WorldCat Local – University of Washington, University of California, etcof California, etc

• State Library of Tasmania – alternate interface to State Library of Tasmania – alternate interface to state-wide catalog based on Verity Search Enginestate-wide catalog based on Verity Search Engine

• Villanove University – Open Source interface based Villanove University – Open Source interface based on Apache Solron Apache Solr

Primo: Behind the Scenes Primo: Behind the Scenes

Primo ArchitecturePrimo Architecture

Primo Indexes

Search Engine

Primo Normalized

XML(PNX)

HarvestedContent

RecordEnrichment

ContentHarvesting

Primo Interface Layer

UnicornAuth Records

Meta

Lib

SFX

SFX

Know

led

ge B

ase

UnicornBib Records

TV NewsAbstracts

Other LocalContent

Other ContentEnrichment

Other OAIContent

Cover artTOC, Abstracts,

etc

ProQuest

ScienceDirect

JSTOR

Many others…

SubscriptionContent Primo Publishing Platform

PNX recordsPNX records

• Primo Normalized XMLPrimo Normalized XML

• The native record structure of Primo. The native record structure of Primo.

• Information from other resources is Information from other resources is harvested, enriched, and converted harvested, enriched, and converted to this specificationto this specification

Primo Publishing PlatformPrimo Publishing Platform

• Primo Publishing PlatformPrimo Publishing Platform (PPP), (PPP), a component of a component of PrimoPrimo, handles the , handles the harvesting, normalization, and harvesting, normalization, and enrichment of data enrichment of data

Why Ex Libris?Why Ex Libris?

• A library automation company with a history of A library automation company with a history of developing significant technologies for academic developing significant technologies for academic librarieslibraries– SFXSFX

• Vanderbilt was a beta test site for SFX, even though Vanderbilt was a beta test site for SFX, even though we ended up not purchasing it until later.we ended up not purchasing it until later.

• A company that tends to develop its own A company that tends to develop its own technologies rather than license them from others.technologies rather than license them from others.

• A stable and growing company. (15 percent growth A stable and growing company. (15 percent growth per year) Recent acquisition by Francisco Partners per year) Recent acquisition by Francisco Partners can be seen as an affirmation of their viability.can be seen as an affirmation of their viability.

Why Primo, Why Why Primo, Why Now?Now?• An opportunity to advance more rapidly An opportunity to advance more rapidly

into the next generation of library into the next generation of library interfacesinterfaces

• Consistent with the direction of the Consistent with the direction of the library’s strategic planlibrary’s strategic plan

• User expectations changing rapidly; need User expectations changing rapidly; need to be proactive in meeting those to be proactive in meeting those expectations.expectations.

• ……

Primo Development Primo Development PartnersPartners• University Library Center of North-Rhine Westphalia University Library Center of North-Rhine Westphalia

((Hochschulbibliothekszentrum Nordrhein-WestfalenHochschulbibliothekszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen or or HBZ) HBZ) – Focus on the Primo Publishing PlatformFocus on the Primo Publishing Platform

• University of Minnesota University of Minnesota – focus on usabilityfocus on usability

• Vanderbilt UniversityVanderbilt University– Test and Review of User InterfaceTest and Review of User Interface– Development of Pipes for harvest and ingest of external dataDevelopment of Pipes for harvest and ingest of external data

• Unicorn Bib/Authority + Dublin Core (TV News)Unicorn Bib/Authority + Dublin Core (TV News)

– Review of FRBR implementation (how similar records are Review of FRBR implementation (how similar records are grouped)grouped)

MilestonesMilestones

• Feb 2006 -- Initial conversations with OrenFeb 2006 -- Initial conversations with Oren• Mar 2006 – First on-site demo of Primo at VUMar 2006 – First on-site demo of Primo at VU• Apr 2006 – Decision to partner with Ex Libris for PrimoApr 2006 – Decision to partner with Ex Libris for Primo• May 15 2006 – Kick-off meeting w/ Ex LibrisMay 15 2006 – Kick-off meeting w/ Ex Libris• Oct 31 2006 – Project plan completeOct 31 2006 – Project plan complete• Dec 2006 – Hardware delivered and installedDec 2006 – Hardware delivered and installed• Jan 1007 – Full data extractsJan 1007 – Full data extracts• Feb 2007 – Version 1.0 of software installedFeb 2007 – Version 1.0 of software installed• Jun 2007 – Primo available to all VU staff for review Jun 2007 – Primo available to all VU staff for review

and testingand testing• Aug 2007 – Primo available for the general publicAug 2007 – Primo available for the general public

VU – Ex Libris partnershipVU – Ex Libris partnership

• Multiple visits to VU by Ex Libris StaffMultiple visits to VU by Ex Libris Staff

• Weekly conference callsWeekly conference calls

• Detailed Project planDetailed Project plan

• Ongoing dialog – give and takeOngoing dialog – give and take

Primo Partnership and Primo Partnership and Implementation ResourcesImplementation Resources• Significant involvement by 40+ library staffSignificant involvement by 40+ library staff• Multiple committees and workgroupsMultiple committees and workgroups

– Digital Library Steering CommitteeDigital Library Steering Committee– Unicorn MARCXML PipeUnicorn MARCXML Pipe– Dublin Core / TVNEWS PipeDublin Core / TVNEWS Pipe– Normalization TeamNormalization Team– GetIt teamGetIt team– AuthenticationAuthentication– MetaLibMetaLib– 2 Testing Teams2 Testing Teams

• Multiple on-site visits by Ex Libris staffMultiple on-site visits by Ex Libris staff• Weekly calls to IsraelWeekly calls to Israel

Current statusCurrent status

• Version 1.0 software installed + all current Version 1.0 software installed + all current patch clusters and hot fixespatch clusters and hot fixes

• Staging server / Production ServerStaging server / Production Server

• Unicorn and TV News pipes built and run Unicorn and TV News pipes built and run regularlyregularly

• All show-stopper issues resolvedAll show-stopper issues resolved

• Preview mode for general accessPreview mode for general access

• Production: soft deployment in Fall 2007Production: soft deployment in Fall 2007

Initial impressionsInitial impressions

• Continues to show great promiseContinues to show great promise

• Positive reaction to seeing VU’s own data in Positive reaction to seeing VU’s own data in PrimoPrimo

• Able to see implications of the work and Able to see implications of the work and decisions made throughout the processdecisions made throughout the process– Results displayResults display– Record presentationRecord presentation– De-duping / FRBRDe-duping / FRBR

• Project continues to be on trackProject continues to be on track

• Results commensurate with the investmentResults commensurate with the investment

Future Expectations for Primo Future Expectations for Primo at VUat VU

• Incorporate additional local contentIncorporate additional local content– TV News is just the first digital collection TV News is just the first digital collection

that could benefit from greater exposurethat could benefit from greater exposure– Subscription content. Get beyond the Subscription content. Get beyond the

limitations of the current metasearch limitations of the current metasearch model.model.

• Integration of Primo with Blackboard Integration of Primo with Blackboard courseware systemcourseware system

Primo DemonstrationPrimo Demonstration

Primo – POCPrimo – POC

Primo – Dev ServPrimo – Dev Serv

Primo – searchPrimo – search

Primo – DetailsPrimo – Details

Primo – Show LocationPrimo – Show Location

Primo – Search SuggestionsPrimo – Search Suggestions