The Discovery Solution Working Group, working under the
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, is trying to find a discovery
solution that Massachusetts library users and residents can use to easily find
and obtain the wide array of resources and formats available through the
state’s libraries. It is intended to include; the statewide eBook platform,
statewide database subscriptions, the Digital Commonwealth, plus other
statewide resources as added.
A discovery solution offers a single unified search tool to retrieve as many relevant, library-vetted resources as are available to the user. It reduces and streamlines the amount of searching users would have to do through multiple, separate interfaces. It usually presents facets or other features to narrow the results, and provides access to multiple types of materials, such as print, media, and online resources. A discovery platform can be independent of the library’s local integrated library system.
Answers to this survey will identify further resources and needs of libraries of the Commonwealth, to help us find the most appropriate platform available. We hope that libraries of all types and sizes will complete the survey.
