In the context of libraries, 'discovery' is the process of finding appropriate resources to meet an information need. We are in a new age of discovery where technology has enabled today's researchers to explore increasingly vaster realms of information more efficiently than ever before. What cutting-edge tools and services are emerging from the growing suite of discovery interfaces and indexes? Where is 'discovery' going, and what tools and techniques are emerging as standard elements in the library technology toolbox? Exploring Discovery examines the range of discovery-focused tools and technologies being deployed by libraries and provides a series of case studies illustrating the interfaces and technologies that can be used by libraries today.The key topics covered include: vendor-provided web scale discovery platforms using discovery vendors in small and mid-sized libraries libraries, archives and museums sharing a single discovery tool custom discovery systems built with open-source software including Blacklight discovery on a shoestring integrating discovery to improve user experience different discovery interfaces metadata challenges in discovery services Open Access and discovery tools regional aggregation and discovery of digital collections. Readership : The book will be essential reading for library managers, systems librarians, metadata librarians, digital services librarians and anyone working in libraries, archives and museums looking to evaluate, implement, develop or improve discovery services.

While it's inspiring to ponder the libraries of the 22nd century, it's a lot more practical to think ahead to the next five years. That's just what Varnum and his hand-picked team of contributors have done, showing library technology staff and administrators where to invest time and money to receive the greatest benefits. Their ideas will stimulate strategic thinking and help library staff make informed decisions about meeting user expectations and delivering services. Chapters include * "Impetus to Innovate: Convergence and Library Trends," by a.J. Million and Heather Lea Moulaison * "Hands-Free Augmented Reality: Impacting the Library Future," by Brigitte M. Bell and Terry Cottrell * "Libraries and Archives Augmenting the World," by William Denton * "The Future of Cloud-Based Library Systems," by Steven Bowers and Elliott Jonathan Polak * "Exit as Strategy: Web Services as the New Websites for Many Libraries," by Anson Parker, VP Nagraj, and David Moody * "Reading and Non-Reading: Text Mining in Critical Practice," by Devin Higgins * "The Case for Open Hardware in Libraries," by Jason Griffey