Use case 1: easy spidering for searchability

Make Available

Description

Although most institutional OPACs are available on the internet, they are typically configured to prevent indexing ("spidering") by internet search engines. Some relatively simple configuration changes can make this indexing possible.

Records are available in the same way whether or not the OPAC is spidered, but may be more discoverable if it can be spidered.

Record flow

Records are made available to the spider in the same format as end-users see them, ie as a web page. The types of record flow are described in detail here.

Current examples

The University of Huddersfield OPAC facilitates spidering by search engines, using a number of techniques to help generate useful search results. Click here to see this in action.

Discussion

This is a minor change to the way that an OPAC functions, yet could potentially bring significantly improved discoverability to library resources. As in a "traditional" OPAC, the records are available to the internet at large, but they are now easier to find.

Please note that the legal implications for your institution of this use case will depend upon your specific contractual relationships - for more information see the discussion of suppliers' and libraries' current viewpoints on what is allowable, and the legal environment. 

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