Choosing the Right Discovery Tool for the Enterprise
Jinfo Blog

By Sophie Alexander

Abstract

Information managers know how difficult it can be to choose the right information discovery tool for their organisation as it's not always easy to predict what problems will arise until you begin the implementation process. A recent FreePint webinar, featuring case studies from Cargill and Unilever, shed some light on some of the key issues to consider before, during and after implementing a discovery tool.

Item

There are many technology solutions available on the market that support an end user's ability to discover and use information, with EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon (ProQuest) and Primo (Ex Libris) being some of the better-known solutions. 

In an ideal world, the perfect information discovery solution would include some of the following benefits:

• Allow users to search and receive a wide range of resources from one place

• A customised solution that allows an organisation to configure their own search options, user interface and delivery choices

• An easily configured solution that avoids having to rely on IT staff.

Implementation Case Studies

Given the inevitable investment of significant resources it's important to make the right choice. A recent FreePint webinar featuring case studies from Cargill and Unilever highlighted some of the issues encountered by them when trying to implement their own chosen discovery solutions.

The webinar focused on the specific benefits and challenges involved and touched on questions such as:

• What factors determined their choice
• The role of IT
• Vendor involvement
• User training.

Moving Away from Google

One of the key factors that motivated both Cargill and Unilever to invest in a discovery solution was the desire to move users away from Google. 

Cargill found that 75% of their users were still resorting to using Google despite the organisation having invested in sophisticated tools. This is a familiar and long-standing challenge faced by many organisations and opinion is often polarised as to whether or not this is even a problem, as I found during recent Q&As with Reprints Desk and Lucidworks. 

Cargill did, however, report some success in this area after they'd implemented EBSCO Discovery Services.

Applying Technology to Visibility

Also notable were the results of a poll carried out during the webinar which sought to establish key concerns faced when applying technology to the challenge of visibility. 

The results found that 94% of respondents faced challenges when integrating content and 75% experienced integration challenges with IT. Ongoing maintenance and initial investment were also found to be problematic.

Find Out More

Although Cargill and Unilever had slightly different reasons for implementing their chosen discovery solution, and were at different stages of the implementation process, they faced similar challenges overall. Their findings would be of value to any organisation currently thinking about revamping their information discovery solution.

FreePint Subscribers can read the Subscription Article "Case Studies - Selecting a Discovery Solution" to find out more, or follow the link to access the recording of the Webinar "Case Studies - Applying Technology to Visibility".

This Blog Item is part of the FreePint Topic Series "Making Information Visible".

« Blog