Xgrain – a case study
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055720510588470 |
| Date | 01 March 2005 |
| Pages | 52-54 |
| Published date | 01 March 2005 |
| Author | Peigi MacKillop,Ben Soares |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
Xgrain – a case study
Peigi MacKillop and Ben Soares
EDINA, Edinburgh University Library, Edinburgh, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The paper looks at X-grain, a tool developed for cross-searching abstract and indexing
(A&I) services in the JISC Information Environment.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes X-grain and its development and uses.
Findings – X-grain utilises Athens authentication and allows the user to search resources available
to them without needing to know what those resources are in advance. Web, Z39.50 and XML-based
interfaces are available. The project also developed reusable, non-Xgrain specific learning and
teaching materials on cross-searching and other information research skills.
Originality/value – The paper is useful to those thinking about using Xgrain.
Keywords Information retrieval, Bibliographicsystems, Portals, United Kingdom, Furthereducation,
Higher education
Paper type Research paper
Xgrain – learning and teaching outcomes
The Xgrain (pronounced cross grain) project began as part of the 5/99 JOIN-UP
programme in 2000. JOIN-UP focused on the discovery and retrieval of journal articles,
book chapters, conference papers and other material contained in abstract and
indexing (A&I) services that form part of the Joint Information Systems Committee
(JISC) Information Environment. The project remit was to develop a cross-searching
tool which supports the way in which A&I services can be presented for use in learning
and teaching.
Xgrain is configured to access numerous resources, and provides access to only
those resources that the user is entitled to. This is achieved via an Athens username
which links users to the resources automatically; the user does not need to have
knowledge of their institutional resources.
The Xgrain project is now moving into service as GetRef (see http://edina.ac.uk/
getref/).
Providing access to digital collections
Xgrain has several means of access. First, there is the newly named GetRef web
interface for general users. There are also machine-to-machine interfaces since Xgrain
can act as broker for other portals. Traditionally this would be through a Z39.50 target,
and such an interface has been developed. However, there are now less complicated
alternative technologies available, such as XML and HTTP. This is why there will also
be a Xgrain Search/Retrieve for the Web (SRW) server. SRW has been developed by the
Z39.50 Implementer’s Group to provide the functionality often used within Z39.50 in a
cleaner interface (namely SOAP). It utilises an impressively flexible plain text query
syntax called Common Query Language (CQL) and is augmented by the SRU protocol
(a means of querying with CQL within a URL). Portals wishing to use Xgrain as a
broker thus have two protocols to choose from, and demand for another may well
produce more, though we anticipate needs will be met with one or more of these.
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm
VINE
35,1/2
52
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 35 No. 1/2, 2005
pp. 52-54
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055720510588470
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