Doing More With Less: Increasing the Value of the Consortial Catalog
New Directions in Information Organization
ISBN: 978-1-78190-559-3, eISBN: 978-1-78190-560-9
Publication date: 30 August 2014
Abstract
Purpose
This case study describes how one library leveraged shared resources by defaulting to a consortial catalog search.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a case study approach to describe steps involved in changing the catalog interface, then assess the project with a usability study and an analysis of borrowing statistics.
Findings
The authors determined the benefit to library patrons was significant and resulted in increased borrowing. The usability study revealed elements of the catalog interface needing improvement.
Practical implications
Taking advantage of an existing resource increased the visibility of consortial materials to better serve library patrons. The library provided these resources without significant additional investment.
Originality/value
While the authors were able to identify other libraries using their consortial catalog as the default search, no substantive published research on its benefits exists in the literature. This chapter will be valuable to libraries with limited budgets that would like to increase patron access to materials.
Citation
Cox, E.J., Graves, S., Imre, A. and Wagner, C. (2014), "Doing More With Less: Increasing the Value of the Consortial Catalog", New Directions in Information Organization (Library and Information Science, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 209-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-0562(2013)0000007014
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited