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SFX: Link Resolver
What is SFX?SFX is a link resolver, from the company Ex Libris. The letters “SFX” used to mean “special effects,” but now they are just the product name. A link resolver is a product that, figuratively speaking, sits between a “source,” where a user begins the search process, and a “target,” where the user goes next. The “source” might be an abstracting and indexing database, an A-Z list of journal titles, an OPAC, or a footnote in an electronic full text article. If the source system can build a standards-compliant OpenURL containing metadata (typically bibliographic citation information) about the “object” the user is interested in, then a link resolver like SFX can generate a list (or menu) of relevant targets. Targets might be the electronic full text of the cited article (perhaps available from a provider other than the source where the user found the citation), or a document delivery request form, or a web-based service that will automatically reformat a bibliographic citation according to a specified style manual, suitable for pasting into the user’s bibliography. More information about link resolvers in general is available at, for instance, http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA405398.html - LinkResolver. More information about the SFX product in particular is available at http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/sfx.htm. What services come “bundled” with SFX?The SFX product provides three user interfaces that take advantage of the SFX software and KnowledgeBase. These are the SFX Menu itself, which users traverse on their way from a “Source” system to a “Target” system; the SFX A-Z List of the titles associated with the instance’s activated Targets; and the SFX Citation Linker, a specialized tool that allows users to enter bibliographic metadata manually, and from there connect to a Menu of relevant Target Services. See the Comparison of SFX Instances on the CARLI Server. How does CARLI “run” SFX for our library?From CARLI’s point of view, your library’s SFX instance is “in production” as soon as it has been established on the CARLI server, whether or not your library has “gone live” with SFX and begun to make it available to your users. CARLI houses and maintains the server on which the SFX software and KnowledgeBase reside, makes regular back-ups, and applies the monthly updates that are released by Ex Libris. CARLI regenerates libraries’ SFX A-Z lists, and performs the “online-to-offline” copying of usage data (for statistical reporting) each night. CARLI hosts an sfx-ig email discussion list for the benefit of CARLI’s SFX implementers. CARLI serves as the first line of support for technical and functional questions about SFX in CARLI libraries. Is training available for our users? CARLI does not provide training for end users of SFX. Generally libraries have found that little training for end users has been necessary. CARLI does contract with Ex Libris for training of library staff in the implementation, customization and support of SFX. To express a training need, please complete CARLI's SFX Training Needs Survey, or contact the CARLI Office. Whom do we contact for technical assistance?If your instance of SFX is on the CARLI server, contact the CARLI Office for technical support. If your instance of SFX is on the Ex Libris server, or on a server of your own, contact Ex Libris for technical support. |
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