Changes to SOLO, 28-29 July 2012: Improvements to display of records and clustering

Following extensive testing and consultation, the Bodleian Libraries are pleased to announce several improvements to SOLO, which will be implemented over the weekend of 28-29 July.

1. Partial clustering and default sort order

Certain categories of material will now be excluded from clustering (where SOLO groups together multiple ‘versions’ of items). While clustering is highly valued by a large number of readers, it is clear that a universal approach to clustering causes problems for users searching for particular types of material, namely early printed books (pre-1830), maps, music, and audio-visual items. We have now excluded these categories, so they will no longer be pulled into the clusters of print and electronic versions of the same work. They will instead be visible in the main results list, separate from any clustered records. Modern printed materials and electronic resources will continue to be grouped into clusters.

This partial clustering approach offers a significant improvement to the search experience while retaining the benefits of clustering for the majority of searches and readers.

The default sort order within clusters will remain ‘relevance’. This substantially mitigates the problem of finding specific editions within large clusters for material. If you prefer to see your search results sorted by date, please select from the sort options at the top of the results list. These options will also be made more prominent.



2. Limit searches to ‘Physical Resources (not online)'

It will now be possible to limit your search to physical resources, in the same way that you can currently limit your search to electronic resources. To do so, choose ‘Physical Resources (not online)’ from the drop-down menu next to the main search box. Please note that you will still see links to digitised versions of texts scanned as part of the Google Books project, as these are attached to the record for the physical item rather than catalogued separately. You may therefore also still see an option to limit your results to online resources if these digitised copies are available.

3. Display of locations and request options

The ‘Request’ and ‘Locations’ tabs in item records will be consolidated into a single ‘Find & Request’ tab to streamline the request process. The ‘Find & Request’ tab will show the various locations with the option to ‘hold’ (for stack requests and reservations) or request a copy via the Bodleian Scan & Deliver service (if available.)




 


From www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/notices/2012-july-17