Discovery Layer
A Discovery Layer is a user-friendly search tool that libraries and information centers use to help people find books, articles, and other materials easily. Think of it like a Google-style search box that searches across all of a library's resources at once - physical books, electronic books, articles, and digital collections. Instead of visitors having to search multiple places separately, a Discovery Layer combines everything into one simple search. Popular systems include Primo, Summon, and EDS (EBSCO Discovery Service). This technology has become essential in modern libraries to make searching easier for library users.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented and customized Discovery Layer interface for university library system
Trained staff and students on using new Discovery Layer platform
Managed migration from traditional catalog to Discovery Service system
Improved user experience by configuring Discovery Interface features
Typical job title: "Discovery Services Librarians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Discovery Services Librarians
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a library's transition from a traditional catalog to a discovery layer system?
Expected Answer: Should discuss project planning, staff training, data migration, user testing, and communication strategies. Should mention managing vendor relationships and ensuring minimal service disruption.
Q: How do you evaluate the effectiveness of a discovery layer implementation?
Expected Answer: Should mention user feedback collection, usage statistics analysis, search success rates, and methods for gathering and analyzing user behavior data to make improvements.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What strategies would you use to customize a discovery layer to meet specific user needs?
Expected Answer: Should discuss interface customization, search refinements, and how to adjust relevancy rankings based on user behavior and feedback.
Q: How would you handle common discovery layer issues like duplicate records or broken links?
Expected Answer: Should explain troubleshooting processes, working with vendors, and maintaining clean data. Should mention tools and strategies for link checking and record deduplication.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a discovery layer system?
Expected Answer: Should describe the search interface, index, and how it connects to various library resources. Should be able to explain how it differs from a traditional library catalog.
Q: How would you train library users on using a discovery layer?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating user guides, conducting workshops, and demonstrating basic search features and filtering options.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of discovery platforms
- User training and support
- Simple troubleshooting
- Creating help documentation
Mid (2-5 years)
- System configuration and customization
- Usage statistics analysis
- Integration with library systems
- Advanced troubleshooting
Senior (5+ years)
- Project management
- Vendor negotiations
- System migration planning
- Strategic planning and assessment
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with library systems or databases
- Lack of user-centered focus
- Poor understanding of metadata standards
- No experience with vendor management
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