The Future of the Catalog

Shelley HostetlerProduct Manager, Voyager

Endeavor Information Systems

What’s the Challenge?

• Competing with Internet• Users need best information• Not willing to work

How Do We Meet the Challenge?

Provide end users with access to qualified information, without mediation.

Some of Our Competitors

•Google•Yahoo!•Amazon

Apply the Models That Work

• Easy to search• Easy to navigate results• Enriched content• Personable

Easy to Search

Let the search engine remove the burden.

• Simple search interface • User-friendly language• Always return results

Easy To Search

Should we force the user to begin with a search?

• Directory• Utilize existing headings structure • Deliver a set of results

Easy to Navigate Results

Avoid zero results by increasing precision and recall.

• Adaptive spell checking• Browse from results• A result vs. a result set

– More like this

Enriched Content

Descriptions of physical items are not enough.

• Reviews– Published and local

• Cover art• Sample pages• User lists

The Catalog You Know

End users should feel at home in the catalog.

• Account management• Alerts• Recommendations• Lists

The Catalog of the Future

Is a vital part of a larger solution.

Access to All of Your Resources

End users require access to the widest range of resources.

• Federated searching– XML gateways– Z39.50– http

• Linking – Full text– Extended services

• Courseware Integration

Open Systems

We have to be prepared to handle records that are non-Marc.

Web Services

Incorporate your library data into your organization.

• Billing• Patron Information• Bibliographic information

Catalogs Don’t Just Serve Users

The catalog is implemented and maintained by library staff.

• Cost effective• Customizable• Maintainable

Future of the Catalog

• Easy to use• A place for finding• Engaging to patrons• Open to possibilities