[Koha-devel] Default search options in the OPAC

[Owen Leonard]

We've now got two patches pending which seek to add more options to
the default OPAC search, the masthead search bar which currently
includes options for Library catalog, title, author, subject, ISBN,
series, and call number:

Add "Phrase" Searching to OPAC Search
http://bugs.koha-community.org/bugzilla3/show_bug.cgi?id=8778

Add accesssion [barcode] number to the drop down list in OPAC Search
http://bugs.koha-community.org/bugzilla3/show_bug.cgi?id=8302

I'll say right out that I'm opposed to these changes, but I want to
bring it up here on the list so we can discuss.

I think the default search options which appear in this space need to
be limited and simple. I come from the point of view of public
libraries, so my goal is to make it easy for someone to walk up to the
OPAC and start searching. In my opinion these options should be
available only on the advanced search page. My concern is that when we
add some of these more complex options we're catering not to the
public but to librarians using the OPAC, and I think those librarians'
needs are not our primary focus in this interface.

I also think that our search system needs to be so good that keyword +
relevance wins over specific searches like "title phrase."

That said, I'm aware that the public library is only one of many types
of libraries, and that other libraries have different needs.

Are these needs varied enough that we need to build an interface in
the staff client for selecting which search options are shown in the
OPAC?

 -- Owen

-- 
Web Developer
Athens County Public Libraries
http://www.myacpl.org