Additionally, ConQuest provides for the extension of the delivered knowledge base. ConQuest and the participating agencies agreed to work cooperatively toward framing a meaningful demonstration project which adhered to Option 4. ConQuest would load document databases, develop document parsers, load additional terminology into the existing knowledge-base, build indices and test the system. Also, they would install a standalone system at each participating site, provide end-user training, and an 800 support number, and make a commitment to work with the implementors of Z39.50, to build a thesaurus application to ensure future full ConQuest functionality between various systems. Twelve of the participants contributed global change data and related information.
Users have the option to search their own library or the composite.
In addition to contributing research data and information, participants contributed new terminology, advise about new vocabulary based on expertise within their disciplines, system feedback, and shared the cost of the project. The project was short term, merely 6 months. When preparing the questionnaire for the evaluation report, it was important to keep in mind several unique characteristics of the project. If we had had more in-depth knowledge of the capabilities of the software, better decisions would have been made for indexing the data and information. We feel this would have enhanced access.