Legend: NOT STARTED IN PROGRESS STALLED DECIDED
Recommendation
We do recommend harmonizing the default search profile across campuses. The default search profile should be configured to include the IZ (local collections) + NZ (entire network, both electronic and physical) + CDI
Reasoning
This configuration facilitates the discovery of desired materials without requiring the user to change search profiles (aka scopes)
Maximizing the materials discoverable via the default search profile reduces the need for the user to understand the system architecture
Including network holdings improves the discovery of desired known items
Boosting local holdings allows prioritization of immediately accessible items to local users
Additional reasoning included in Pros/Cons table below
Background
The Discovery Functional Group is charged with the delivery of, “A Primo VE instance for the UC Libraries Network Zone (NZ) will also be developed to provide centralized indexing, shared customization of views via a Central Package, and centralized configuration of mapping and code tables, allowing for the discovery of records and holdings across the NZ, and services such as fulfillment and resource sharing.”
The most common default search profile configurations for consortial Primo VE instances are:
IZ only (eg. “Library Catalog”)
IZ + CDI (eg. “[Campus] Collections” or “Book, articles, and more at [Campus]”)
IZ + NZ + CDI (eg. “Everything [Campus/Consortia]”)
Proposal: Discovery FG should make a recommendation on whether or not campuses should harmonize on the configuration of their default search profile. If harmonization is recommended, Discovery FG should make a recommendation on how the default search profile should be configured.
Working assumptions:
Campuses can effectively boost their local holdings to display above those of consortia members in search results
Staff at UC libraries will continue to assist patrons from across the UC system via chat reference
Materials managed in the NZ will be accessible via the IZ if that item is available to that campus
Dependencies
No dependencies identified
Questions to consider
What are the benefits and risks of harmonizing on the default search profile?
How is the end user experience impacted by the inclusion or exclusion of network materials (NZ) in the default search profile?
How is the end user experience impacted by the inclusion or exclusion of CDI records in the default search profile?
Options considered
Harmonize default search profile? | Not Harmonized | Harmonized |
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Training and end-user communication artifacts can be shared among campuses. |
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Reference staff helping patrons at another UC have a consistent experience. |
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Campuses can configure search profiles their own way. |
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Include network materials in the default search profile? | Network materials not included in default | Network materials are included in default |
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End users seeking a known item at another UC would discover it via the default search scope |
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End users would not need to understand search profiles in order to effectively use the system thereby improving the experience of novice users. |
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End users can surface content imported directly into the Network Zone via the default search scope, exposing users to content they may not have otherwise known was in the system (eg. digital collections such as Calisphere) |
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End users can discover eBooks and journals from CDL packages in the default search profile. + |
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Users will not be frustrated by finding eBooks only available at another UC |
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However, it’s possible for signed-in users to initiate purchase requests for campuses that want this enabled. It can be limited by user group, e.g. faculty. |
Advanced end users who want to see only materials available to them locally do not have to use a facet to restrict their search results. * |
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+ Confirmed in Basecamp message. 'If a record is managed in the NZ and available for your institution, the record is searchable in LibraryCatalog scope.' https://3.basecamp.com/3765443/buckets/15553579/messages/3354455308
Include CDI in the default search profile? | CDI materials not included in default | CDI materials are included in default |
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End users would discover articles, book chapters, music, and other CDI items in the default search profile. |
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Aligns with end users' expectation (as seen in catalog analytics data and described in the literature) of a “single search” experience for finding library materials. | |
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End users would not need to understand search profiles in order to effectively use the system thereby improving the experience of novice users. |
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Advanced end users who only want to see books or other local material in their search results will not have to use a facet to restrict their results set. * |
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Advanced, known-item type search results may sometimes defy user expectations (such as book review records appearing above the record for the book) |
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However, during the test-load phase campuses will test the local boosting in Primo to see if it alleviates some known issues with more advanced searches. |
* Using facets is straightforward and already-Primo campuses do see thousands of sessions of facet use per month. At Irvine, for 2019 and 2020, totals of sessions where facets are used are about 15% of total sessions.
Action Log
Action/Point Person | Expected Completion Date | Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Create document summarizing Primo Search Profile configuration options | 12/11/2020 | Primo Search Profiles Overview document shared in Google Drive | Complete |
Ask Primo listserv for consortial experiences | 01/06/2021 | Complete | |
Deliver summary document to campus stakeholders and discuss end user needs for discovery / All Discovery FG members | 01/15/2021 | Complete | |
Consult with Resource Management, Acquisitions & E-Resources, and Fulfillment groups | 02/10/2021 | ||
PPC for approval |