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• What is SmartSearch?

  SmartSearch is the method of searching for information from numerous DISCUS-provided products at once with a single search. Rather than launching databases individually for searching, SmartSearch enables the user to enter a search and retrieve information from many databases simultaneously, thereby increasing the ease and effectiveness of the search.

• Why has SmartSearch been added to DISCUS?

  There have been two frequent requests since the DISCUS program began: a method for searching multiple products at once and an easier method of home/remote access to the resources. SmartSearch is a solution that addresses both needs.

• Is SmartSearch a federated search? If so, how does it work?

  Yes, it is a federated search. SmartSearch conducts the search in the native databases and compiles a list of results. SmartSearch simplifies the search process by retrieving results across numerous products without the user having knowledge of individual search interfaces.

• How does SmartSearch provide an easier method of home/remote access?

  SmartSearch can recognize authorized users of the DISCUS resources who are at physical locations other than media centers and libraries. This is done through geolocation technology that recognizes access as coming from a computer in South Carolina. In most cases the user is not aware that the process is happening. Occasionally a user cannot be authenticated in this way and will be asked to enter the current DISCUS username and password to gain access to the resources.

• Does SmartSearch conduct searches across all the DISCUS databases?

  No, it does not, because we have chosen not to include every DISCUS-provided database in SmartSearch. Searching all the databases at once would retrieve an expansive and unwieldy list of results. Also, some products, by their very nature, are not well-suited for federated searching. A product that is highly interactive and requires the user to make selections to generate customized content, for example, may not be a good fit. Remember, though, that all DISCUS databases can still be used individually outside the SmartSearch solution.

• Are you required to select a group of databases by subject category or can all of the databases included in SmartSearch be searched at once?

  Selecting at least one subject category will do two things: provide a more focused, effective search and deliver results more rapidly. All of the databases included in SmartSearch can indeed be searched together, but the search will typically retrieve a large list of results that will take longer to deliver.

• With numerous databases being searched, the same article or document may be retrieved several times. How does SmartSearch handle duplicates?

  SmartSearch offers several options for displaying a list of results. The results will be displayed – by default – in the grouped display mode. Duplicates are removed by using the dropdown menu above the list to select one of several sort modes. The sorting removes the duplications.

• Can my library add the SmartSearch functionality to our own Web site?

  Yes, this can be done at individual libraries. Go to the DISCUS Toolkit and you’ll find instructions under the Search Widgets heading.

• Is the traditional A-Z list of DISCUS databases still available for use?

  Absolutely! There is a link to the A-Z list on the DISCUS homepage and there is also a green tab for the A-Z list. The individual links on the A-Z list do not, however, provide automatic authentication of home/remote users. Automatic authentication is activated only when searching through the green “quick search” boxes on the DISCUS Web site.

Further questions about SmartSearch may be sent to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it