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Willow: a uniform search interface

D S Ketchell¹, M M Freedman, W E Jordan

¹Health Sciences Libraries and Information Center, University of Washington Libraries, and Computing and Communications, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA

|January 1, 1996

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The Willow Project created a unified search interface for accessing diverse network information resources. This system simplifies data retrieval across heterogeneous databases using a flexible driver model.

Area of Science:

Computer Science
Information Science

Background:

Accessing information from heterogeneous network resources presents challenges due to diverse systems and query languages.
A uniform search interface is needed to simplify information retrieval for a diverse user community.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop the Willow Project, a uniform search interface for accessing heterogeneous network-based information resources.
To separate the user interface from underlying database management and information retrieval systems.

Main Methods:

Developed a graphic user interface utilizing networked client-server and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols.
Implemented a "database driver" model for easy integration of new database hosts.
Incorporated a multimedia extension mechanism for handling diverse data formats via external viewers.

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Main Results:

Willow provides a unified interface to heterogeneous information resources using different search engines and query languages.
Drivers are available for BRS/SEARCH and the Z39.50 protocol.
Currently serves over 250,000 sessions monthly for users at the University of Washington, accessing 30 databases.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is adopting Willow as its uniform search interface for Z39.50 hosts.

Conclusions:

The Willow Project successfully provides a uniform search interface for heterogeneous network information resources.
The "database driver" model enhances extensibility and simplifies the addition of new database hosts.
Willow facilitates efficient information retrieval for a broad user base across various settings.