Beyond the Search Box

Abstract

The article discusses unified discovery systems, tools designed to enhance online information retrieval by searching indexed content, and the reaction of librarians to this technology. The author states that a majority of librarians seek a single search tool for the discovery interface they want to provide. Also included is information on how search interfaces can support certain information seeking behaviors such as different interfaces for different search goals, facilitating selection of appropriate contexts, and supporting the iterative nature of the search task. Results from a workshop in which librarians designed their own ideal search interface is provided. Aspects of their designs included advanced search features, refine search features, and inclusion of a rating system.