Discovering Our Library’s Resources: Vendor Tools Versus In-House Tools

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Author(s): Amy S. Jackson (University of New Mexico, University Libraries, USA), Kevin Comerford (University of New Mexico, University Libraries, USA), Suzanne M. Schadl (University of New Mexico, University Libraries, USA)and Rebecca Lubas (University of New Mexico, University Libraries, USA)
Copyright: 2012
Pages: 13
Source title: Planning and Implementing Resource Discovery Tools in Academic Libraries
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Mary Pagliero Popp (Indiana University, USA)and Diane Dallis (Indiana University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-1821-3.ch019

Keywords: Information Science Reference / Library & Information Science / Library Information Systems / Library Science

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Abstract

The University Libraries (UL) at the University of New Mexico has experience implementing both a resource discovery tool from a standard library vendor and an in-house, custom built federated search using Drupal® as a Content Management System. The standard vendor-based resource discovery tool was the library’s first attempt at a federated search, and feedback from librarians and users was not always positive, largely because results seemed inconsistent and lacking clear relevance to the terms searched. The Drupal® approach proved to be straightforward to implement, very flexible, and customizable, but the project team determined it would not be scalable as a solution for searching the library’s entire collection. This chapter describes the UL’s experience with both tools, and provides best practices and recommendations for libraries considering either type of approach.

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