More is not always better: or, the joys of inflicting multiple catalogue interfaces on your patrons

Tim Darlington Digital Services Manager

Library Client Survey, 2012

“I find it so confusing when doing an initial search for resources whether I should be in Classic, encore or discover...I'm never sure which one will suit my needs...”

“I also cannot understand the differences between Discover, Encore and Classic Library Catalog. Maybe more explanation on their differences will help me choose which one to use.”

“I don't understand why there's two places to search - one with white background, one with yellow. I thought the yellow one had been upgraded till I discovered nope, must have just clicked the wrong link!”

Wait, they haven’t finished yet....

“I also find it confusing all the different ways to search, discover, encore etc.”

“One online catalogue would be beneficial, the 3 systems I find a bit confusing, so I usually just use Discover.”

“I don't understand why you need Discover in addition to Encore and Classic?”

“I find the encore/classic thing confusing I don't really understand it.”

One last kick while we’re down....

“Three cataloging options seems excessive to me. Not sure that we need classic, encore and discover, especially since I mostly access library resources through Google scholar.”

Time for a tribal council

The way forward

Either:

• Discovery service is developed to the point at which it’s also a useful OPAC.

Or:

• OPAC is developed to the point at which it’s also a useful discovery service.

...

...

...

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The third way

• Discovery service is developed to the point at which it’s also a useful OPAC.

Or:

• OPAC is developed to the point at which it’s also a useful discovery service.

Or:

• Content vendors get into the LMS business and provide one search interface that way.