Speaker
Description
USIU-Africa Library like many other libraries holds vast amounts of information resources from print to electronic collections which are all hosted in different platforms and databases. As the volume and variety of information resources continue to multiply, the library search environment becomes increasingly fragmented and therefore overwhelming and frustrating for users (Deodato 2015). USIU-Africa adopted the discovery platform technology that offers users their desired Google-like simple search functionality with the aim of improving and increasing access of the library’s vast scholarly print collections and electronic resources from a single, easy-to-use search interface.
The implemented EDS-Enterprise API discovery platform is an integration by EBSCO Discovery Service and SirsiDynix. The federated search platform offers users a single search interface that allows the simultaneous search of multiple searchable resources and discovers results from the library’s catalog records, subscribed eResources, open access resources, and the institutional repository.
The platform has among other features: Search suggestion functionality, Correction of input errors, Interfiling results, Search Limiters, Filter function, Search results display by relevance ranking and availability, Search display widget: ‘text & image alignment’ and ‘item format label’, Password request off when on-campus or using VPN, Exploratory search, Placard journal, Support for five languages for titles, Content providers indexing, Publication finder, and Digital Repository harvesting.
Statistics on usage of the library resources have extremely increased with over 100% increase in search and access of resources registered during the implementation period even prior to the official launch. This paper details the steps in identifying the ideal platform through a carefully planned evaluation process to forms filling and sharing lists of subscribed as well as open access resources. Best practices learnt and challenges encountered are discussed.
Summary
This abstract is on the subject: Applications and Services (Cloud Services and Collaboration Tools, Trust and Identity, Cybersecurity)
