Next-Gen Library Catalogs

A next-gen library catalog successfully blends a variety of current technologies to enhance the drab, restrictive user experience of earlier library catalogs. Breeding (director, Innovative Technologies & Research, Vanderbilt Univ. Libs.) covers the highlights of next-gen catalogs, including faceted results and federated searching; personalization via tagging and the users' option to offer reviews; and the addition of visual elements, e.g., book jackets. He provides an outstanding comparison list of OPAC vendors, including open-source options and specific features details, architecture, licensing restrictions, and number of installations, as well as links to explore the different interfaces. This informative text takes the legwork out of researching next-gen tools and add-ons for most standard OPACs and is applicable for any library maintaining an online catalog.