The Primo discovery and delivery system is designed to enable libraries to provide users with the ability to access authoritative information from a single point. This information is an aggregation of locally held collections of various types--print, digital, and electronic--which may include the library catalog, digital repositories, course management systems, and remote resources such as abstracting and indexing databases and ejournal collections. Primo integrates with various library systems such as the Ex Libris ALEPH 500 and Voyager systems and the SirsiDynix Unicorn system. Primo provides various linguistic capabilities and, when relevant, suggests alternative search terms--helping users to focus on more appropriate results. Delivery options complete the discovery process. The Primo system displays an availability statement for each result along with a “get it” button that links the user to the most appropriate service for the specific context, such as a method for obtaining the actual material if it is available online or for obtaining information about the location of a physical item. Incorporated in the Primo user experience are multiple elements adhering to Web 2.0 concepts, such as social computing features, including tags, ratings, and reviews that members of an institution’s user community can share with each other or with communities in other institutions. (www.exlibrisgroup.com) |
