The Ohio Web Library uses a faceted search, meaning the user has the ability to enter keywords, then narrow down their topic by source or subject. Faceted search supports exploration, as opposed to specific keyword searching. For keyword searching, a search box to name specifically what’s needed is more in order. But for those who want to start with a general topic then explore the possible links it returns, faceted searching is helpful.
Amazon and other commercial sites already use it, and now the big search engines are playing with the faceted search idea, too.
- Bing, Google, And The Enigmatic T2: The Race For A Complete Semantic Search Engine
- LinkedIn Adds New Ways to Browse Connections
- Best Practices for Designing Faceted Search Filters
- Principles Of Effective Search In E-Commerce Design
Why does this matter to libraries? Because our customers are getting used to this type of site. They are familiar with this standard business practice. Let’s make it a seamless transition for them to use your site.
