• What is the Discovery Beta?

Discovery Beta is a fast, simple search engine that searches the library’s journals, books, dissertations, conference proceedings, CDs, DVDs, and more.  The beta searches an index, like the one in the back of textbooks, returning relevant or “exactly what you needed” information to the top of the results list.  It looks like and acts like a Google for libraries.

• How is it different than Google?

It searches almost everything in the library, including information that Google and Google Scholar cannot find.

• Why is the Discovery Beta so good or better than Google for research?

It is customized and designed for Claremont College researchers.  The beta will find what is available online now, written and approved by expert researchers, most current, and whatever else researchers may need.  It can also perform more complex searches.

• If I wanted to do an advanced search, where could I find more information?

http://claremont.summon.serialssolutions.com/help.html

• So, the Discovery Beta will do all of my research for me?

Not yet, not exactly.  Even though the Discovery Beta could help you escape some of the pitfalls of research, remember it is still in beta, a work in progress.  New content is being added daily and some features may not work as expected.

• How do I send the library comments and feedback?

If you’re using the Discovery Beta, click on the “Feedback” button.  Otherwise send an email to discovery@libraries.claremont.edu.

• Where did the Discovery Beta come from?  What are Serial Solutions and Summon?

Serial Solutions is the company that created the Discovery Beta.  They call their original version Summon.  The library is working with them to test and develop it.

The Discovery Beta met my expectations.