Selecting an Appropriate Web-Scale Discovery Service: A Study of the Big 4’s

Vinit Kumar

doi:10.14429/djlit.38.6.12860

Vinit Kumar Department of Library and Information Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Rae Bareilly Road, Lucknow 226025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.38.6.12860

Keywords: WSD, Discovery services, Primo central, WorldCat discovery services, Summon, WS-Discovery

Abstract

Seeing the dynamic user demands the libraries are changing their approach to the user services. The web-scale discovery (WSD) service is the latest attempt in this direction. There are several players in the marketplace providing solutions for WSD with products having basic features and subtle features as well. As more players are entering the marketplace, it becomes challenging to select appropriate WSD system. It is also paramount for the library managers to be aware of the myriad range of features and underlying technology of WSD. This understanding will be for making informed purchase decisions. This paper attempts to explain in detail the components of a typical WSD system. Further, the paper evaluates the features of the Big 4’s in WSD. The paper concludes by discussing some of the parameters to consider while evaluating the WSD system.

Author Biography

Vinit Kumar, Department of Library and Information Science Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University Rae Bareilly Road, Lucknow 226025

Dr Vinit Kumar received his PhD in library and information science. Currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Library and Information Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar university (A Central university), Lucknow, India. He is having more than seven years of experience in teaching and research of library and information science. He has successfully guided students leading to MPhil (LIS). His research interests are : Library online services, open data, research methods and digital libraries.