The New IUCAT: Powered by Blacklight

Abstract

Recently, the Indiana University Libraries implemented Blacklight, an open source discovery layer, as the new public interface for IUCAT, the statewide shared online catalog. Blacklight was chosen as the solution to improve the usability and accessibility of the catalog in response to user and staff dissatisfaction with the traditional ILS OPAC interface and in preparation for IU’s upcoming move to the Kuali Open Library Environment (OLE). A successful discovery implementation requires buy-in from library staff as well as the approval and acceptance of users; this presentation will highlight the numerous challenges in achieving success in a complex environment of diverse stakeholders with divergent needs and goals. Courtney will give a brief overview of the project thus far, discuss the impact of the new interface on user and staff workflows, and share hopes for further enhancements and plans for the transition to OLE.