[original post followed by responses.]
> From: Mark Alan Jacobs <MAJacobs_at_uwyo.edu>
>>
> I need some advice on simultaneous users for e-resource
> databases.
>
> Somehow, I had convinced myself that searches
> were queued and completed in turn as search results were
> returned. Thus, even if access to a database was limited
> to 1 SU, multiple searches would queue up and be completed
> one after the other. This would be essential for federating
> searched as a user might not be at a particular database, in
> order to logout in a federated search scenario. However,
> others maintain that when a user accesses the database
> interface, everyone else will receive the message that the
> maximum number of users has been reached.
>
> What do you think is the case? Do you know of some literature
> on the issue? I haven't found anything on vendor/publisher
> websites or in license agreements to indicate either way.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark
>
> Mark Jacobs
> Electronic Resources Librarian
> University of Wyoming Libraries
> Collection Development Office
> Coe Library 301
> Dept. 3334 -- 1000 East University Avenue
> Laramie, WY 82071
> 307 766-5560
> majacobs_at_uwyo.edu
==#1==
>From Eric Rector <earector_at_gmail.com>
Hi Mark,
If a vendor sells simultaneous users, chances are very good that only
the specified number of users will be able to access a given database.
I have certainly experienced a "ports are full" message from a vendor
in my time.
Chances are good that Web databases will track the user's session in
one of two ways: a cookie, which is placed on the user's computer and
then expires at logout or timeout, whichever comes first, or by
tracking the session on the server side, which is a little more
complicated. Either way, they know you are there!
There's a nice introductory article on maintaining a session state
posted by Zend, the php company, at:
http://www.zend.com/zend/art/maintainingstate.php?article=maintainingstate&kind=a&id=7877&open=1&anc=0&view=1
Hope this helps,
-Eric
______________________________________________________
Eric A. Rector
Associate Director, Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA)
George Mason University--MS 2FL
Phone: 703-993-2694
Email: erector1_at_gmu.edu
==#2==
>From Mary Drewes <marydrewes_at_mail.und.nodak.edu>
Our Systems Librarian here at Chester Fritz Library collects statistics
of turn-aways on databases. Once the users have reached the maximum for
simultaneous use, the database sends an unavailable message of some
sort; the user has to try gain access again when the database is
available.
Mary
Mary Hegle Drewes, Head
Collection Development & Information Access Services
Sciences Bibliographer
Chester Fritz Library
University of North Dakota
P.O. Box 9000
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9000
Phone: 701-777-4648
FAX: 701-777-3319
Received on Sun Dec 04 2005 - 08:01:00 EST