Binghamton University is setting out to change the standards for research tools with a recent acquisition: a device called Grokker.
Glenn G. Bartle Library’s new research program organizes search results in a system of topical circle maps.
Grokker is a product from the Groxis Company which allows students and faculty to search a topic from a list of pick-and-choose databases, and then view the results in either the traditional outline form, or to browse though the information as organized in a map.
Among other educational institutions in the country, Stanford University ‘ which started to employ the program in September of 2004 ‘ can attest to Grokker’s success as the winner in the competition between research companies for information visualization.
‘The main difference between Grokker and other applications is the visualization,’ said Kate Bouman, BU’s reference librarian. ‘There’s often a hierarchy of information with sub-topics that you don’t get with a regular search.’
With Grokker’s outline view, a list of main topics, usually over 200, will appear for the user to then narrow their search more specifically. Within each subtopic there are additional subjects to further define a focus. When a specific issue is chosen, a panel on the right side of the page displays the different articles, books and other sources.
The map outline works the same way, except that the initial categories found in the outline view are arranged in separate circles. The circles have smaller labeled spheres within. The relative size of the circles shows which topics have the most information, so that the user is able to tell where the bulk of content is concentrated.
The program offers a number of additional elements to produce a more efficient search. The option of creating a working list lets students choose specific sources and save them electronically. Likewise, users are able to search by date by adjusting the time scale on the left hand side of the page.
Students are also able to add and remove databases from their search. The library has defaulted the program to the library catalog and a non-specific database called Academic Search Premier. By modifying the database list, students can search within programs designed to focus on one specific subject, like Biological Sciences or Women’s Studies International, as well as free resources like Google.
Bouman maintains that the visual component of the program allows students to see the context of the information, and presents the information in detailed layers.
‘It takes the information that our database and our catalog supplies and displays it in a more comprehensive way, with categories,’ Bouman said. ‘The point is to take a big concept and get it organized to some understanding of a topic within a larger concept.’
The program is targeted at freshman and sophomore students, as Bouman maintains it is a ‘discovery tool.’ David Garsow, assistant director of residential life, teaches First Year Experience courses within the human development department and agreed on the potential aid of Grokker to new students.
‘What a great resource for students,’ said Garsow. ‘For a visual learner to see this as opposed to just text ‘ it’s just spectacular. We’re one of the best universities in the nation already, this just gives us a leg up above the other places.’