The biggest challenge to libraries and librarians has not come from other institutions but from Google. Jolinda Thompson’s book is a way to help librarians meet that challenge head-on.
The advent of the search engine and the explosion of online content revolutionised how people search for information. Online library catalogues and electronic databases were the first attempts to attract users back to library resources, but there was a certain appeal to Google, with its streamlined search box, and the mechanics of search hidden within an algorithm. Google made searching easy. Librarians, whose purpose was to facilitate information retrieval, have grappled with how to make the user experience of a library’s resources simpler, and just like Google. Web-scale discovery services are the latest steps that libraries have undertaken to make their resources discoverable.
The web-scale discovery service relies upon a central index of resources which have been sourced from the library’s own resources, database subscriptions and an array of curated open access resources. Querying this index returns a wide array of results as quickly as possible. Results are displayed according to an algorithm which can be customised according to an institution’s preferences for local over remote content, electronic over print. Results can be further filtered by facets.
For those libraries that wish to implement this type of service for their users, this book provides an easy and comprehensive approach. The book provides an overview of the more notable vendors available, listing their features and limitations. Thompson also devotes time to the evaluation of the discovery layer, including the relevance ranking and facets and filters to refine a search and the advanced search option. Other features – mobile platform support, tracking usage, access and Digital Rights Management and accessibility standards – are also covered.
What is particularly useful is a glossary of terms and a sample features table for evaluating a discovery system for your library. The questions to ask the vendors about the various features are an excellent addition to help librarians develop a comprehensive picture about the significant investment they are undertaking. The chapters are arranged in such a way as to allow the reader to step progressively through the process of selecting, purchasing and implementing the service, with tips on customising the discovery layer and how to sell the service to users and library staff.
By producing this guide, Thompson has not only provided a valuable aid for library staff, but has also emphasised how the roles of librarians have changed. Project management, marketing and user experience skills are increasingly needed in an effort to ensure libraries still hold a relevant role in information provision.
Australian Catholic University
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© 2016 Stephanie McGlinchey
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00048623.2016.1236426