The Yale Library software ecosystem is a complex and dynamic environment that supports the various functions of the library, including cataloging, circulation, discovery, and digital preservation. At the heart of this ecosystem is the integrated library system (ILS), which provides a centralized platform for managing the library's collections, patrons, and services. The ILS used by Yale Library is Voyager, a commercial software product developed by Ex Libris, a leading provider of library automation solutions.
Overview of Voyager
Voyager is a comprehensive ILS that supports a wide range of library functions, including cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and serials management. The system is designed to provide a high degree of flexibility and customization, allowing libraries to tailor the system to meet their specific needs and workflows. Voyager is also highly scalable, making it suitable for large and complex library environments like Yale.
Voyager Modules
Voyager consists of several modules, each of which provides a specific set of functionalities. The cataloging module supports the creation and maintenance of bibliographic records, while the circulation module manages the lending and returning of library materials. The acquisitions module supports the purchase and receipt of new materials, and the serials module manages the receipt and tracking of serial publications.
| Voyager Module | Description |
|---|---|
| Cataloging | Supports the creation and maintenance of bibliographic records |
| Circulation | Manages the lending and returning of library materials |
| Acquisitions | Supports the purchase and receipt of new materials |
| Serials | Manages the receipt and tracking of serial publications |
Discovery Layer
In addition to the ILS, Yale Library also uses a discovery layer to provide a user-friendly interface for searching and discovering library materials. The discovery layer used by Yale is Primo, a commercial software product developed by Ex Libris. Primo provides a single search interface for searching across multiple library collections and databases, including the library’s catalog, digital repositories, and external databases.
Primo Features
Primo provides a range of features that support discovery and access to library materials, including faceted searching, result ranking, and link resolution. The system also supports the creation of customized search scopes and search widgets, allowing libraries to tailor the search experience to meet the needs of their users.
- Faceted searching: allows users to narrow search results by facets such as author, subject, and format
- Result ranking: allows users to rank search results by relevance, date, and other criteria
- Link resolution: provides direct links to full-text content and other library resources
Digital Preservation
Yale Library also uses a range of software tools to support digital preservation, including the Preservation Manager and Digital Asset Management System (DAMS). These systems provide a centralized platform for managing and preserving digital collections, including digitized materials, born-digital content, and other digital assets.
Digital Preservation Workflow
The digital preservation workflow at Yale Library involves several stages, including ingest, processing, storage, and access. The ingest stage involves the transfer of digital content into the preservation system, while the processing stage involves the creation of preservation metadata and the application of digital preservation workflows. The storage stage involves the secure storage of digital content, and the access stage involves the provision of access to preserved content through various interfaces and services.
- Ingest: transfer of digital content into the preservation system
- Processing: creation of preservation metadata and application of digital preservation workflows
- Storage: secure storage of digital content
- Access: provision of access to preserved content through various interfaces and services
What is the primary function of the Voyager ILS?
+The primary function of the Voyager ILS is to provide a centralized platform for managing the library’s collections, patrons, and services, including cataloging, circulation, acquisitions, and serials management.
What is the purpose of the Primo discovery layer?
+The purpose of the Primo discovery layer is to provide a user-friendly interface for searching and discovering library materials, including the library’s catalog, digital repositories, and external databases.
What is the role of digital preservation in the Yale Library software ecosystem?
+The role of digital preservation in the Yale Library software ecosystem is to provide a centralized platform for managing and preserving digital collections, including digitized materials, born-digital content, and other digital assets.
