Discovery system

Discovery systems are library search systems based on search engine technology . Which are part of the concept of Library 2.0 and want the existing OPAC - catalogs supplement or even replace.

Typical characteristics

Large search area: The data from various data sources can be searched through with one search (comprehensive central search engine index ). So you can z. For example, you can search for a journal article or a textbook directly in the Discovery system and no longer have to switch from a special journal database to the library catalog.
Intuitive usability, as known from a search engine. The search is basically only done with a simple form, an extended search function is sometimes no longer provided.
Ranking of hits according to relevance: The “best” hit is displayed first, not necessarily the newest. A good ranking is important because the large search area often means that many hits are found.
Search refinement with drill-down menus (facets): For example, all hits that are available online can be filtered out of the hits found.
Correction of input errors via a "Did you mean ...?" Function.
Auto-complete : After an entry in the search field, a drop-down list with suggestions appears.
Exploratory searching: You find interesting things that you weren't looking for directly. For example, links to similar hits, entries in specialist databases or Wikipedia articles are displayed (integrability of other web technologies).

Technical background

Librarian search systems consist of the user interface ( front-end ) and the database with a searchable database index in the background ( back-end ). A discovery system can be a combination of front-end and back-end (e.g. Primo as an interface with Primo Central as an index). The term Discovery System can also only mean the front end (e.g. VuFind), which can be used in combination with various indices .

Examples