Discovery on a Budget: Improved Searching without a Web-Scale Discovery Product

Abstract

Discovery is a key component of a library's services, and user expectations are high. Even if a Web-scale discovery system is not in the cards, there is plenty a library can do to improve discovery for their users. Librarians at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have conducted a series of user studies focused on discovery tasks using the library's website and catalog. The lessons learned from these studies have led to an ongoing redesign of the library's website as well as recommendations for instruction. The presentation shares successful strategies for evaluating and improving discovery, no expensive software or programming skills necessary.