Sno-Isle Libraries unveils new catalog

Published 9:00 pm Sunday, March 12, 2006

MARYSVILLE – If you know you need something from the library, but aren’t exactly certain what it is, your life just became easier.

Sno-Isle Libraries may be the first public library in Western Washington to implement a new, visual online catalog that gives customers a variety of ways to find what they’re looking for.

Aquabrowser Library is an associative, intelligent library search tool. It finds items using associations, context and spelling alternatives automatically generated from the library catalog. The visual catalog allows customers to fine-tune a search without leaving the catalog page.

“Many of us aren’t sure how to find what we need when we are searching for information,” according to library director Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory. “Aquabrowser is for those of us who need help narrowing down or broadening our search to find exactly what we’re looking for.

“Our goal with this is to make it easier for people to use the library catalog,” Woolf-Ivory said. “We’re always looking for ways to make the best use of technology. In the future we’ll see many libraries seeking this option for their users.”

Aquabrowser is different from traditional online library catalogs because it offers customers three ways to conduct a search:

* A “word cloud” displays relevant associations, translations, spelling variations and synonyms to help narrow down a search. When a user isn’t certain of the right word or the exact title, the word cloud can help fine-tune or broaden a search term.

* Another function allows users to narrow the search query by format, such as a DVD or book, as well as by author, subject, language or year of publication.

* Search results are displayed according to their relevance to the search terms. One click on the title or topic takes you directly there.

The new library catalog can be found at www.sno-isle.org/catalog. Library customers will still have the option of using the traditional library catalog or the kids catalog.

Sno-Isle Libraries serve more than 600,000 residents in Snohomish and Island counties.

For more information on library services in your area, call Sno-Isle Libraries Service Center at 360-651-7000 or 800-342-1936, or go to www.sno-isle.org.