Many libraries have added a “discovery service” to their website, providing a more intuitive search experience for users. The most common discovery services are WorldCat Local, Summon, Ebsco Discovery Service (EDS) and Primo Central. Please note that the discovery services may not contain everything available at the library. They are broad, but not necessarily as deep as is needed. This also means search results may be very large, so you may need to assist users to hone their search requests.
But, first you have to access it. Several libraries in the Cooperative are using WorldCat Local (WCL). Depending on how it is set up, WCL may require authentication if you access it outside the library – which is the case with all Cooperative librarians. There is a guest login available – click that, and you will be able to see search results.
Example: University of Washington WorldCat Local search box:
The UW user just types search terms into the search box and the results appear. But if you, like most Cooperative librarians, are not at the UW, then you may see this message, requesting a user id, once you enter search terms but before results are displayed:
Simply click the “Enter as Guest” link (circled in red, in the image above), and you will be able to see the search results.
Please feel free to comment regarding your tips for using discovery services to help patrons find resources!
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