On Wednesday, August 18th, Prospector launched a brand new look. It still offers the same great features as before but it has a more modern and improved interface. We haven’t replaced any of the content in Prospector; we’ve just updated the interface to make it easier to find what you need.
Highlights of the new Prospector include:
- Colorful book jackets
- Cloud tags to narrow your search
- Facets to narrow a search by format, language, place, or publishing date
- Ability to email yourself a list of records
- Explore related searches-generate a new search on new term
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Prospector and it’s new appearance.
- What is URL of the new Prospector Discovery service?
http://www.coalliance.org/prospector This is the new Prospector launch page and we recommend that you bookmark this address for linking to the “top” of Prospector
- Will the old Prospector service still be available?
Yes the old Prospector WebPAC is still fully supported and will not change. However, after August 18th we will redirect users who go to the http://prospector.coalliance.org to the new launch page. To go to the old Prospector start page use http://prospector.coalliance.org/search~S0
- When should I use the old interface and what are key missing features in the new environment?
- If you want to do advanced Boolean searches, specialized number searches or specific fielded browses (e.g. subject headings browse, title browse) the old system should be used
- The “Find More Resources” button in the old system which links out to WorldCat, Google Books and eCommerce sites is only available in Prospector classic at this time
- The “Request Article” button that directs users to link resolvers or article finder forms at local sites is only available in Prospector classic at this time
- On the new Prospector launch page there is a pull down box with many different kinds of searches; why do some go to the new discovery interface and others go to Prospector classic?
The “keyword” search in the new launch page initiates a search in the new discovery interface. It is optimized to handle title, author, subject and other key terms in a highly-efficient single-index search and display algorithm. However, all of the other searches in the launch page go to specific indexes in the classic Prospector system. By putting them all on the launch page, experienced users can start whatever type of search they want without having to find the old system. Only the “keyword” search launches the new discovery interface.
- Why does Requesting an item go to Prospector Classic?
Once an item has been found in the new Prospector discovery layer and the user wants to request it, the user will be routed to Prospector classic to complete their request. The request process will take place in a new smaller window so that the person can easily go back to the discovery layer.
