Guided Searches of Library Catalogs

Guided searches consist of search forms in which the user can enter information in one box and select qualifying parameters to focus the search. Other parameters may be embedded in the form. Guided search forms are highly portable and can be customized and embedded in web pages wherever needed. This allows ready access to the catalog from either the primary interface or from any relevant web page.

Simplicity is the key to creating highly usable search forms. Experience has shown that guided searches with one qualifying parameter are the easiest for users to understand. Two is the maximum that can be used effectively. Unnecessary parameters should be eliminated and different types of qualification should be combined into a single set of parameters so that the categories reflect the way users might think of them.

The examples below illustrate how guided searches work with the catalogs from major library automation vendors. In each case a real catalog has been used. The result sets use the native interface. Some of the search forms have been programmed to pop-up and then disappear once the search has been submitted. The University of Northern Iowa link goes to a production page in the newly adopted catalog interface.

• Ames Public Library (SirsiDynix Horizon)
• Iowa State University (SirsiDynix Horizon)
• North Carolina State University (Endeca)
• University of Iowa (Ex Libris ALEPH 500)
• University of Northern Iowa (Innovative Interfaces Millennium)
• University of Wisconsin-Madison (Ex Libris Voyager)
• Vanderbilt University (SirsiDynix iLink)

Comments: Jerry V. Caswell
Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa
1227 W. 27th St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613-3675
http://sites.uni.edu/caswell/cat/guided_searches.shtml
Revised: 22 Sep 2009