About MetaLib
What is MetaLib?
MetaLib is a library resource portal that:
- provides users with a
standardized interface for searching, viewing, and saving search
results across multiple resources.
- allows cross-database
searching, and linking to context-sensitive services for specific
citations using FindIt (SFX). (FindIt (SFX) is software that allows users to send an
electronic query about access to full text for a specific record,
and receive a list of options available through CSU and other affiliated
services.)
- offers personalized "My Account" options for display, alerting services, and history/citation archives when a user logs into his/her registered user account.
- What
can MetaLib do for me? - in Adobe PDF format
Offers a one page, non-technical list of MetaLib's features.
How does MetaLib work?
MetaLib offers access to both searchable and link-to resources. For each searchable resource in MetaLib (such as a database), a configuration record is created within MetaLib. The configuration record contains the necessary data and instructions for accessing, searching, (via ANSI/NISO standard z39.50 or other methods), and converting records retrieved from the resource using MARC, SUTRS, or other formats for standardized display. The information in the configuration record for a resource is specific to the provider of that resource; i.e., the configuration record for MEDLINE through OCLC FirstSearch has different Z39.50 and OpenURL information than the same record for MEDLINE via OVID. The configuration record allows MetaLib to translate these heterogeneous communication protocols and data syntax structures from different resources and present them in one standardized format. The configuration record also contains information that is used to generate an OpenURL for FindIt (SFX) services. The OpenURL ensures that FindIt (SFX) links will work for the record, so that users can immediately check the availability of full text electronic copy for any record retrieved within the MetaLib interface
MetaLib also contains the IRD, an additional record for each resource with CSU-specific information on resource categories, keywords, description, access to the CSU subscription, and the connection via the appropriate search protocol (e.g. Z39.50). Users may access some of the information contained in the IRD, including a description of the resource contents and tips for searching that collection, by clicking the information button to the left of the database name within the MetaLib interface. Additional portions of the IRD are available to library staff and assist them with managing the library's subscriptions and connections to more than 200 databases.
Link-to resources cannot be searched via MetaLib. Typically, this is because the communication protocols or syntax structures for the resource are non-standard and cannot be translated into the MetaLib interface via a configuration record. Ex Libris, the makers of MetaLib, are partnering with a variety of database providers to expand the number of resources that can be searched through MetaLib. All link-to resources, however, have an IRD record, which allows users to view information about the database by clicking the information icon, or to link directly to that database's native interface by clicking the arrow icon.
MetaLib also allows users to create accounts, known as User Records. Each record contains a specific user profile. This record is used to connect the alerts, saved records, saved searches, and other "My Account" information for that user. These records are stored permanently within MetaLib, so that the user can access their preferred resources, saved records, etc. every time they log in.
If you have additional questions about how MetaLib works, please let us know.