Libraries Open Forum outcomes
Libraries Open Forum November 2024 – gathering feedback on the new library search
On Wednesday 20 November, Libraries and Museums and the Students’ Association co-hosted an Open Forum on the topic of the new library search.
We had about 60-70 attendees over 2 hours, who had the opportunity to demo the new system, to ask questions, and to provide responses at a number of feedback gathering stations. Hot drinks and snacks were also available.
The general response to the new search was very positive, and it was very helpful for our staff who were configuring the new system to field questions about how it works and gather evidence of how our users want to search.
In response to the feedback received we have made some adjustments to the configuration, including adding other languages and changing the contrast to improve accessibility.
We’ve also prioritised getting the maps feature up and running to make it easier for you to know where to find your book on the shelf. We’re happy to say this is now live. We’re also planning some improvements to our signage on the shelves in the main library.
We’ve created a series of short videos to demonstrate key features and how to make the best of the new search, based on what attendees found difficult in the existing system or wanted to see in the new one. These are now available to view as part of our search guide.
We also received some feedback on other library related issues, and we’ve already installed a vacant/engaged sign on the Contemplation Room as a result. We’ll also be looking at ways to make it feel a bit warmer in the Main Library.
Specific comments and responses
Pain points. We asked attendees about their pain points in terms of the current system:
- “Not all online resources that appear in a search are not available to access – it would be useful to know straightway [two more ticks to show their agreement on this comment]”
The new system searches for items that we have access to by default.
- “The holding page you are sometimes taken to when clicking a link to an article/webpage”
This interim page is not a feature of the new system.
- “Does not tell you floor which books is on [one more tick regarding this comment]”
We have reinstated our maps feature to make it easier to know where to look. To do this, find the item you require in library search, click the ‘locate’ button and a new page will open showing a map with the approximate shelf location of your item.
- “You need to have a lot of info/spell everything in the right way for it to show up (authors name) [four more ticks regarding this comment]”
The new system has a “do you mean…” option which should help with mistyping/misspelling.
- “Filtering out reviews or secondary texts when looking for primary texts [two more ticks regarding this comment]”
It is much easier to narrow your search to books in the new system.
- “I take classical studies and the text are quite a lot. There is only 1 copy for a whole module class, and often no online version available or easy to find access”
Get in touch with us if you think more copies of a text are needed and we can look into it for you – email [email protected]
- “when searching for a book/article, not always obvious if the source is available or not (if it is in the library, on loan, e-book, etc.)”
The brief results page of the new system display if an item is on loan.
- “Not a lot of students are aware of interlibrary loan [someone ticks this to agree on this comment]”
We are planning a campaign to promote our Inter-Library Loan service.
- “Categorizing of saved searches. Folders would be better than just labels”
This is not an “out of the box” feature of the new system, but we will add it to the development list.
Suggestions for new features. We also asked attendees for their suggestions on features they would like to see in the new search.
We’re delighted to say the following are now available as part of the new system:
- “The ability to “lock” filtering between search sessions”
- “Bookmarking – saving books you have searched for to come back later”
“Ability to make a wishlist/ favourites” - “A “here’s where this material has also been cited/ used” sidebar (+1)” – this is a button, rather than a sidebar.
- “Automatically generated Bibtex citations”
- “Filter for which library the book is in”
Requests. We’ve also been working on the following requests:
- “More language options – Scots Gaelic and Ancient Greek not present”
We’re currently configuring the new system to include these.
- “AI tool – great way to even the playing field among non-AI and AI using students”
We’re still investigating how this works and may switch it on at a later date, but it is not currently available.
- “Would like a guide on the types of resources we can access”
We’ve working on guidance for what’s included in the search. We have some information available on the new search page, and have made a library search guide, including tips, how to videos, information about your account, and accessibility information.
- “Distinction between print vs. online sources”
Where we have both, these now show on the same record to make it easier to see your options. We’re also looking at ways to make it clearer which format is available.
- “A “further suggestions” feature – for example, if you search “T.S. Eliot”, it suggests 3 degrees further: “Ezra Pound”, “Amy Lowell”, “Elizabeth Bishop””
This is out of scope for our search system, but we’ll do some further promotion of other tools we provide access to that you can use for this.
- “Integrate search with sources like Diversity Reading list for philosophy (done by St Andrews faculty)”
This will be possible once we have integrated the new reading list system, due in summer 2025.
Resources
Library search guide – contains tabs for general info, search tips, how to videos, your account, and accessibility.
Library Management System – contains general information about the system update, including what has changed, and what’s next.