Discovery in 2017: Where Are We Now and Where Do We Want to Be?

William H. Mischo
Acting Dean of Libraries and University Librarian; Head, Grainger Engineering Library Information Center
University of Illinois

Roger Schonfeld
Director, Libraries and Scholarly Communication Program
Ithaka S+R

Michael A. Norman
Head, Content Access Management
University of Illinois

Eric Frierson
Director of Field Engineering, North America
EBSCO Information Services

Much has been written about library discovery systems; the Renaville bibliography on discovery tools has over 700 entries through 2016. We currently find ourselves in a transition period. This panel presentation will examine the current state-of-the-art of library discovery systems and the role that these systems can play in student and researcher workflows. The panel will examine discovery systems in the context of identified user needs and search behaviors, as revealed in detailed transaction log analyses of user search and clickthrough actions. In the last several years, a number of academic libraries have extended the web-scale discovery systems (WSDS) model by adapting bento style discovery approaches in which search results are partitioned into separate screen result zones (bento boxes) with retrieved content grouped by format or service type. The bento approach is designed to address identified problems with WSDS and meet user needs by optimizing known-item searching, streamlining full-text access, and providing local services, content, and subject specialists. The features and characteristics of 35 bento style systems will be examined in the context of an evidence-based analysis of user needs. Also explored will be the concept of “full library discovery,” a phrase first coined by Lorcan Dempsey. Thinking beyond the current array of products, it is important for libraries to examine how evolving scholarly and instructional workflows can better integrate with discovery systems and services.

Presentation (Mischo)
Presentation (Frierson)