[OPLIN 4cast] OPLIN 4Cast #162: Faceted searching

[Bobbi Galvin]

*OPLIN 4Cast #162: Faceted searching
*January 27, 2010


  /4casting technologies that could have an impact on public libraries./

The Ohio Web Library <http://www.ohioweblibrary.org/> uses a faceted 
search, meaning the user has the ability to enter keywords, and then 
narrow down their topic by source or subject.  Faceted search supports 
exploration, as opposed to specific keyword searching. For keyword 
searching, a search box to name specifically what's needed is more in 
order.  But for those who want to start with a general topic then 
explore the possible links it returns, faceted searching is helpful.

Amazon and other commercial sites already use it, and now the big search 
engines are playing with the faceted search idea, too.

    * Bing, Google, And The Enigmatic T2: The Race For A Complete
      Semantic Search Engine
      <http://www.techcrunch.com/2010/01/22/t2-bing-google-radar-semantic-search-race/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29&utm_content=Google+Reader>
    * LinkedIn Adds New Ways to Browse Connections
      <http://mashable.com/2010/01/26/linkedin-connections/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29&utm_content=Google+Reader>
    * Best Practices for Designing Faceted Search Filters
      <http://uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2009/09/best-practices-for-designing-faceted-search-filters.php>
    * Principles Of Effective Search In E-Commerce Design
      <http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/12/08/principles-of-effective-e-commerce-search/>

Why does this matter to libraries?  Because our customers are getting 
used to this type of site.  They are familiar with this standard 
business practice.  Let's make it a seamless transition for them to use 
your site.

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-- 

Bobbi Galvin
OPLIN Customer Relations&  Support
P: 1-888-966-7546
www.oplin.org

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