JavaScript tools for online information retrieval
| Published date | 01 July 2006 |
| Pages | 380-394 |
| Date | 01 July 2006 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520610686779 |
| Author | Ruwan Gamage,Hui Dong |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
JavaScript tools for online
information retrieval
Ruwan Gamage
School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China and
Library, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and
Hui Dong
School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Abstract
Purpose – Efficiency of server side search engines is very low in cases of slow internet connections.
Therefore, this study aims to examine use of client side search tools.
Design/methodology/approach – A previously introduced client side JavaScript search model was
used. New data were obtained for response times against an array of different sized index files. A
simple linear regression model was used to obtain the limitation of file size for the search tool.
Response times for repeated searches were obtained for the client side search model and selected
server side search tools.
Findings – It was found that the search model could be used only for a small-sized data set. Still, it
was useful against server side search methods for repeated searches during a single session.
Research limitations/implications – Response time differs according to the network traffic,
connection speed, and so on. Therefore, use of the search model is context-specific.
Originality/value – The model is easy to use and maintain. Therefore, organizations that wish to
make their small data collections searchable on the web can use the model. The model is especially
suitable for users with slow internet connections who experience very low efficiency in searching large
server side databases. The paper introduces the model, solutions and technical aspects for practical
execution.
Keywords Java, Search engines,Information retrieval, Responsetime
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
A script running on a client workstation might check the input user’s submission to a
web page. This is to make sure they entered all required data and appropriate data
values. This can resolve local problems locally, without troubling the server for all
minor issues. However, scripting has so many other uses, including advanced browse
features and creating cookies on client machines. The server can use one typ e of
cookies for tracking user actions on the client, and another type for “acting” as “search
engines”.
We are using a JavaScript search tool, one with an array of data elements to
examine client side search tools’ fitness to be a technology-in-demand for small
databases. Lab testing was conducted, and response times were measured for
displaying results case-by-case, with different sized data arrays.
The first part of the paper describes the motivation behind this study and its
objectives, and some of the concepts used will be explained. The next section describes
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1468-4527.htm
OIR
30,4
380
Refereed article received
26 January 2006
Revision approved for
publication 30 March 2006
Online Information Review
Vol. 30 No. 4, 2006
pp. 380-394
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
1468-4527
DOI 10.1108/14684520610686779
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