Next Generation Library Catalogs

Ryan Dement, Darby DeCicco, Andrew Zintl, Mary Chu

Next Generation Library Catalogs“next generation catalogs” vs. “legacy catalogs”

• Problems with legacy catalogs- complex interfaces, not intuitive.- inconsistent with user conventions.- too limited in scope.- no online content.- no social networking- no relevancy ranking- ILS

Goals of “Next Generation Catalogs”

• Single point of entry• State of the art interface.• Enriched content.• Enhanced search methods• Web 2.0• RSS

Aqua Browser

• How it operates: - On the library’s own server- By the vendor- As an online subscription

• How it integrates: - Uses the existing ILS- Can be customized to match a library’s existing website.

Aqua Browser- Search Features

• Searches structured or unstructured information.

• Relevancy rankings, related concepts, faceted navigation

• Uses word clouds

Endeca

• Just a search engine, not a fully developed interface.

• Has relevancy rankings, faceted navigation• Does NOT work with ILS; must upload data.• Provides lots of flexibility for the library to

decide how to use it.• Unique to the library.

Encore

• Developed by Innovative Interfaces. • If you use Millennium you don’t have to upload

the catalog information. • Includes faceted navigation, tag clouds,

federated search results• Groups results by relevancy rankings, includes

item cover art. • More enriched content depending on

subscription level.

Primo

• Designed for academic and research libraries. • Must upload the catalog data. Can also upload

articles.• Provide access to electronic resources, but must

have MetaLib.• Customized interface.• Has faceted browsing, strategies for searching,

availability links, personalization, federated search.

WorldCat Local

• OCLC- a major bibliographic database• Localized Results- enter geographical

information and WCL will show you results in your local library and libraries in your area.

• Display options• Kinks and Issues with WCL:

- Synchronicity with OCLC- Spelling, log-in accounts, lacks back links

More examples of Online Catalogs

• Polaris• Evergreen (Open Source)• Koha (Open Source)• LibraryThing (Social Networking Site)

Thank you!Questions? Comments?