New Generation Search Engines

This thesis introduces a new method of information retrieval and search engines of a new generation which provide it. The opening chapter introduces the new concept of searching and information retrieval, called "web scale discovery", and defines the so called web scale discovery services as services that quickly search through a large central index of content compiled from both electronic databases and local library collections using a single simple search interface. It is also explained how central indexes are produced and what their main disadvantages are. The core of the thesis is first dedicated to presenting and analysing individual selected commercial web scale discovery services and then comparing them in terms of functional capabilites. Presented are the following services: EBSCO Discovery Service, Primo and Summon. A chapter for each of the services begins with a brief overview, which is followed by a description of their central index and its content, and then presents individual features on an example of a working implementation of the service. Each chapter is concluded with a summary of the most distinctive features. The last chapter compares support of selected functions in analyzed search engines using tables and supplementary commentary. The conclusion summarises gained knowledge..