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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
PubMed
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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.