Now that the Beta version is online since January 2011, the "Web portal e-lib.ch" project has moved a decisive step closer to achieving its aims: the basic functionality of this central entry point for multi-resource searching and access to scientific information resources and services has been implemented and is available for use.
In December 2011 the integrated search tool has been migrated to the next version. With this change the result page is displayed in a new design and more search functionalities are available. For more details please refer to the help. Furthermore medieval manuscripts are comprised in the search and the Italian user interface is implemented.
The following objectives have been achieved in the Beta version:
Website
The "Web portal e-lib.ch" replaces the previous website for the innovation and cooperation project "e-lib.ch". It provides information about the e-lib.ch programme as a whole and also offers the sub-projects a platform for a new Internet presence. The following work has been carried out:
- The website has been redesigned and reorganised.
- The search tool Primo has been integrated in the web design for the graphical user interface.
- A Content Management System for entering and managing content has been implemented.
- The information about the "e-lib.ch" programme as a whole has been updated.
- In most cases, the information about the e-lib.ch sub-projects has been completely revised.
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The content on the website is available in German, English and French.
Exception: news messages. They are mainly written in German and French. In the Beta version, the categories are available in German and/or English.
Information resources
The printed and online resources which most typically represent what is available on the "e-lib.ch web portal" have been fully integrated. These are:
- NEBIS library catalogue
- Image Database Bildarchiv Online
- ETH E-Collection repository
- retro.seals.ch journals portal
- medieval and selected early modern manuscripts e-codices
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digitized rare books e-rara.ch
Some of these can be accessed in the Web portal e-lib.ch. This applies to those titles which are recorded in NEBIS and have a link to www.e-rara.ch.
The website and its PDF documents can also be searched by content.
Search
- Multi-resource searching has been implemented with Primo Version 2.
- Users can choose between simple and advanced searches.
- Faceting can be used to limit or refine search results.
- If you make a typing error, the "learning" function "Did you mean?" suggests an alternative search term.
- In the Beta version users can choose between English, German, French and Italian.
- A help is available.
Accessing the information resources
- Unlicensed online resources are freely available to all users.
- Online resources where access is limited (e.g. licensed databases, e-books, e-journals) can only be accessed by users at a computer in a network belonging to a Swiss university, or if, as members of a university, they have logged into their institution's network using their login and password. However, it is essential in both cases that the university has a licence for the required products.
- To order printed or non-book resources which are available on loan via the "e-lib.ch web portal", users are transferred to the library catalogue.
The migration to the next version of the search instrument encompassed the following:
- Implementation of Primo Version 3
- Expansion of the Primo application infrastructure
- Redesign of web pages for displaying search results
- Implementation of personalisation functions
- Setting up of personalisation functions, for creating customised services
- Update of help
- Provision of the search-related pages in French
- Addition of Italian to the language portfolio
- Inclusion of more information resources from "e-lib.ch" sub-project
Work planned before the conclusion of the project at the end of 2012:
- Implementation of single sign-on solutions
- Inclusion of more information resources
- Concept for including other websites
- Prototyping of a version for mobile devices
Do you have any questions or feedback about the web portal?
