Federated Searching and Improved Authentication Come to BadgerLink

The Wisconsin Reference and Loan Library staff continues to improve BadgerLink. Two exciting new features will be available August 25, 2008. Users will now be able to search multiple BadgerLink databases simultaneously! And, the authentication process has been redesigned using a user-centered approach. The authentication is now more streamlined and intuitive.

BadgerLink is a project of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning. Its goal is to provide access to quality online information resources for Wisconsin residents in cooperation with the state's public, school, academic, and special libraries and Internet Service Providers. BadgerLink resources are available through this site and through links on many library web pages. Most libraries also provide access to BadgerLink from public access computers within the library.


Federated searching

Federated searching will allow BadgerLink users to search multiple vendor databases at one time by entering search terms in a single search box from the BadgerLink website. This feature frees users from searching each vendor individually to collect the widest possible search results. Users will be able to search EBSCO, ProQuest, and Gale LitFinder databases simultaneously in this way.

After a search, a single list of full citations will be displayed on the right side of the results page presented by vendor and interface. Results will be listed in the order as each are returned from the vendor’s server. Once a citation is selected, users will be taken to the vendor’s native interface for the full text of the article.

Those users who want to select the specific BadgerLink vendor to be searched can still click on the vendor icon or the links on the BadgerLink home page. Those users who want to select a specific subset of databases to be searched can use the Advanced Search feature to select the specific databases to be accessed through the federated search methodology.


Improved Authentication

The process of authenticating users for BadgerLink access has also been improved. The new process allows for a single point of authentication to access all BadgerLink resources. The change improves service to BadgerLink users as well as boosts the efficiency of the BadgerLink staff as they support and management these services. Currently, Reference and Loan Library staff works with each vendor separately to provide authentication through IP address and library card number. The new system will centrally administer authentication via a single interface. It will provide a streamlined process of authentication and will improve the consistency of a user’s experience.

When users initiate a search the IP address of his/her computer is matched directly to the new system automatically. When a match is made the search results are displayed directly. If users cannot be authenticated with an IP address, they will be prompted to select their local library and enter their library card. The prompt and the instructions will be the same regardless of whether they are conducting a federated search or a search within a single vendor database or interface. When it is not possible to authenticate users by either of the above processes, Library ID and Passwords will be made available on an individual basis when Wisconsin residence can be confirmed.


WISCAT licensed libraries also benefit from these changes!

From within WISCAT, federated searching allows for simultaneous searching of the WISCAT union catalog, individual library catalogs, and the BadgerLink databases. With one search users have direct access to approximately 4,000 periodical titles, 700 newspapers (including Wisconsin newspapers), children’s and adult literature, business, medical, and education sources, in addition to the 7,320,115 book and periodicals records in WISCAT and 42 library Z39.50 searchable catalogs representing over 400 libraries. That is a lot of information at your fingertips!


Related Upcoming Webinars More details soon!

For BadgerLink users:
August 28 (Thursday), 10-11:00 a.m.
BadgerLink - New Features
For WISCAT users:
August 28 (Thursday), 9-9:30 a.m.
WISCAT - New Access to BadgerLink Databases


During the afternoon of August 25th BadgerLink and WISCAT both will be available. Users might experience a brief service interruption. If the issue persists for more than a day please contact the BadgerLink staff at http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/bl_sup.asp for help with these issues.


Cheers,David J. Sleasman
Wisconsin Reference and Loan Library
WI Dept. of Public Instruction