Chapter 1: Discovery Product Functionality

Abstract

Chapter 1 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 50, no. 1) “Library Resource Discovery Products: Context, Library Perspectives, and Vendor Positions” provides an introduction to the realm of library discovery products, including an outline of their evolution in scope and functionality and some of the major technologies and concepts involved. It highlights how each type of library has its own requirements and how these have been addressed among the products and services available. Emphasis is given to the current dominance of index-based, web-scale discovery systems designed for academic or research libraries and the emergence of e-book lending features in those oriented to public libraries. Each of the major products in these respective categories is discussed. Results from a survey of libraries using these products provide additional insight into the capabilities of each of these products.