Translate

Search This Blog

Thursday, March 09, 2023

Web-Scale Discovery Services vs. Online Public Access Catalogs in Libraries

Web-scale discovery services (WSDS) VS PAC (Online Public Access Catalog)


Libraries have always been an integral part of the information ecosystem, providing users access to a wide range of resources while upholding the core values of the entry. And as digital resources and search engines have become more prevalent, libraries have continued to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of their users.
Two essential tools used in libraries today are Web-Scale Discovery Services (WSDS) and Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs).

While WSDS provides a single interface for searching through multiple databases, it can only partially replace the richness of specialized bibliographic systems that libraries have built up over time. 

On the other hand, OPACs list the library's holdings and help users find specific resources within the library's collection.
 
Some differences between WSDS and OPAC


WSDS

OPAC

Purpose

To search across multiple databases and resources.

To list the library's holdings.

Coverage

Provides broader and deeper coverage of resources.

Limited to the library's holdings.

Search

Uses natural language and advanced search features.

Search options are usually limited.

Results

Results are often significant in number and diverse in type.

Results are limited to the library's holdings.

Quality

Metadata quality can vary widely between databases and resources.

Metadata quality is usually high and standardized.

Updates

Updates can be frequent and immediate.

Updates are usually less frequent.

Usage

Used for general searching and research purposes.

Used for specific item or collection searching.

Interface

Modern and user-friendly interface.

Traditional and sometimes outdated interface.


Few major vendors offer WSDSs and OPACs

Vendor

WSDS

OPAC

Ex Libris

Primo

Alma

EBSCO Information Services

EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS)

EDS Catalog

ProQuest

ProQuest One Academic

Symphony

OCLC

WorldCat Discovery

WorldCat Local

SirsiDynix

BLUEcloud Discovery

BLUEcloud Catalog

Innovative Interfaces

Encore Duet

Sierra

Follett

Destiny Discover

Destiny Library Manager

BiblioCommons

BiblioCommons Discover

BiblioCommons Catalog

Adam Matthew Digital

Quartex

N/A


While WSDS provides a single interface for searching through multiple databases, it can only partially replace the richness of specialized bibliographic systems that libraries have built up over time because specialized bibliographic systems, such as Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs), provide highly detailed and curated metadata specific to the library's holdings.

It must be stressed that OPAC metadata is produced by expert catalogers who have a deep understanding of the resources in the library's collections and the needs of their patrons. 

Since library-specific tailor-made metadata is only sometimes available in WSDS, essential collection items such as archival materials, rare books, and special collections may be missing in WSDS. Meaning it is not possible to provide the same level of precision and relevance in search results as in specialized bibliographic systems 

Therefore, libraries must continue improving their metadata production, ensuring it is high quality and standardized to enable effective discovery and retrieval of resources.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.