Curating MARC Indexing to Optimize Discoverability of Resources at the ECU Libraries

Abstract

This presentation features a case study of an implementation of VuFind at the East Carolina University Libraries. Cataloging representatives from the main university library, the health sciences library, and the music library formed a working group to evaluate the MARC fields that would be indexed and displayed for the end user of the VuFind discovery layer. The intent was to clarify scoping of resources based on the indexing tied to particular facets and search functionalities, and to replicate search functions available in the Libraries’ existing Classic Catalog. The end result of this practice was to construct search options and parameters that would optimize discoverability of the library’s resources. The presentation will reveal the facet elements selected for the implementation and the process behind mapping those elements. Additionally, an overview regarding decisions on the integration of MARC fields and elements behind search indices and the rationale behind these decisions will be discussed.