The Search for a New OPAC: Selecting an Open Source Discovery Layer

Abstract

In early 2011, an Indiana University Libraries task force was charged with selecting an open source discovery layer to serve as the public interface for IU's online catalog, IUCAT. This process included creating a rubric of core functionality and rating two discovery layers based on criteria in four main categories: general features and functionality; authentication and account management; export and share; and search functionality and results display. The article includes information about our rubric and the two discovery layers reviewed, Blacklight and VuFind, as well as a discussion of the priorities of the task force. The article concludes with future steps and anticipated highlights for IUCAT.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the members of the Indiana University Libraries OLE Discovery Layer Task Force: Barbara Gushrowski, Randy Lent, Chris Long, Mary Beth Minick, Gwen Pershing, Mary Popp, and Sue Skekloff.