Discovery Systems I: Challenges and Needs for Music Discovery
Abstract
“Discovery” has become a library buzzword but it refers to a traditional concept: enabling users to find library information and materials. Today, the discovery environment is changing rapidly both within libraries and externally. In the midst of this changing environment, music materials pose unique demands that must be considered for successful discovery. There is exciting potential for new discovery interfaces to ease the difficulties users face when searching for music materials. However, in reality, the specialized discovery needs arising from music materials are often overlooked. Some of the discoverability challenges of music materials in public search interfaces can be addressed simply by ensuring that needed bibliographic description fields are appropriately displayed and indexed in discovery interfaces. Other problems are more difficult to solve. To guide music librarians and others facing these challenges, a group of United States music librarians created the Music Discovery Requirements document (http://committees.musiclibraryassoc.org/ETSC/MDR) which explores and outlines these issues, including examination of important FRBR attributes and relationships, examination of other factors in music discovery, and specific recommendations for meeting these challenges. Beginning from the Music Discovery Requirements, this presentation will explore the issues surrounding music discovery, providing a birds-eye view of some of the most pressing issues and possibilities for solving them. The presentation will be useful to those creating or guiding the development of discovery interfaces that will facilitate access to music materials. Furthermore, because the presentation will identify areas where deficient data creates particular problems for discovery, those inputting or creating standards for data can benefit by identifying areas with particular need for fuller, more consistent data.