1. Introduction to Smart Search
Steve Ostrem
Reference & Library Instruction

2. Some background
A new kind of research tool, called a resource integrator: combines records from several sources into one database for fast, Google-like searching
UI Libraries one of first four libraries in the world to use this product (we are a guinea pig, identifying many problems)
Software called Primo, Smart Search is UI Libraries name for it

3. What it is (and what it isn’t)
One way to quickly see what the library owns, in all formats, including digital
Take that same search for locally-owned materials and put it to work in article databases (remote search)
Local search is fast, remote search slower
Like Google, it returns lots of stuff; you need to spend time to focus on what you want
Refine your results using “facets”

4. What it isn’t
Doesn’t replace the library catalog for “known item” searches
Doesn’t replace discipline-specific databases, if that is all you need
Not fully developed. Even in version 2 still lots of “rough spots” (esp. e-shelf)
Personalization features work, but can be hard to figure out

5. Search, refine, save
Always log in with Hawk ID to save searches, keep track of things
My Preferences for personal settings
“Concept” searches work best
Limiters in Find Resources don’t translate well to Find Articles
Like Google, default display is relevance, can switch to most recent first
Use Limits and Facets to refine results

6. Other features
This item in… leads to more info, such as Amazon, Google Book Search
Similar Items identifies authors or subject headings to try
Advanced Search useful for particular formats, such as images
Save query will rerun searches (when it works)

7. Find Articles tab
Slower than Find Resources because it searches remote databases
Because it is slow, only returns first 30 records from each database, can get more
Details view shows article abstract
Get It may either go to article or InfoLink
Default is General Resources, can switch to discipline-specific sets of databases (called Quick Sets); not one for every discipline

8. Personalization features (Web 2.0)
Most work at this point, others on the way
RSS for search alerts (called Save Alert), save to browser or feed reader
Tags (both personal and public); apply in Details view or after saving to e-shelf.
Write Reviews for other library users
E-Shelf: , print, save to RefWorks, previous queries, saved queries. Most options also available on Details page.

9. Conclusion
Questions?
Time to practice!