Evaluating of the structure of Federated Searching Systems for presentation a national model

The aim of this study is to evaluate of the structural characteristics of the federated (integrated) search systems in order to build and design the national federated search system. This study is a survey – analytical one, it can be considered as applied research, being done in an evaluative procedures. The population studied in this research was federated search systems which were selected based on sampling process available for the two federated search system of EBSCO and Summon Discovery services. Information was collected through direct observation and organized interviews with executive managers of the two systems which is based on self-made checklist containing necessary criteria for the evaluation. Descriptive statistic was used for data analysis. Thus, according to presented criteria outlined in the checklist items, zero number was considered for having the criteria and number one for absence of the criteria. The evaluation was performed with 144 components in 9 categories of research criteria: ability to display, retrieval, user interaction, authentication interface customization design, interface design, standards and communication protocols, and vendor support criteria. Findings showed that degree of compliance of the two systems of federated search system of EBSCO and Summon Discovery Service was %93/05 and % 81 /94 respectively. However, the federated search system of EBSCO Discovery Service is most consistent with the structural criteria. The results of the evaluation of the two systems indicated that both the federated search systems were in on a satisfactory level. However, EBSCO Federated Search System complies with the criteria of the checklist to a greater extent. Final research findings are indicative of a proposed structural model of a national Federated search system.