Academic Libraries and Discovery Tools: A Survey of the Literature

Discovery tools are becoming increasingly popular in academic libraries, yet there is little information available concerning the tools used regarding their implementation, maintenance, and evaluation, or the tools' effects on public service librarians. Key questions considered through a literature review include the most common tools used, how their effectiveness is evaluated, and user satisfaction data. Readers will learn how public service librarians are involved in discovery tool processes; the usability of discovery tools; and how to incorporate discovery tools into information literacy endeavors.