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The Libraries IT department is developing a hybrid approach, one that mixes local development with vended content to allow OSU Libraries to create their own discovery experience. It will be working with a vendor to provide discovery to our vended content via an API (Application Programming Interface), but for local content (all content controlled by the Libraries), developing local indexing and a custom Platform. (Read this overview of Library as Platform, if you like.) Our hope is to utilize a process of frequent refinement throughout summer 2017, so that we can arrive at a tool that will simplify discovery for all users, but primarily lower barriers for our undergraduate populations. We would like to begin deprecating WorldCat Local sometime in 2018.
We currently have multiple options for discovery of resources: WorldCat Local, the library catalog, Serials Solutions' access to online journals, Digital Collections, Research Guides, Knowledge Bank, etc. The hybrid approach will surface content from our many sources, enriching the discovery experience for our library users.
Concurrent Work Streams
- Discovery Layer - the Discovery Working Group will focus on prioritizing and selecting of initial resources, and alpha test the initial bento-box proof of concept design [draft mockup (pdf)]
- Library Platform API - the Libraries Information Technology department will investigate technology options/available APIs, create endpoints for various content sources and develop API data models
- Resource Selection - focusing on serving our primary user audience, evaluate data availability of key resources
- Information Propagation - Complete Library Platform API, and work with Web redesign effort to embed rich data (schema.org) into content
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