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New Service from EBSCO Allows Libraries to Use EBSCOhost as the Front End of Their Online Catalog

EBSCO Publishing is now enabling public libraries to use EBSCOhost as the front end of their online catalogs. Loading catalog records on EBSCOhost allows public libraries to provide their patrons with the features and functionality of EBSCOhost.

Searching catalog records using EBSCOhost is designed to provide easy access to catalog content including:

• the choice of straightforward, basic search options or robust advanced searching options with facets to narrow searches;


• up-to-date search experience through real-time availability checking, daily updates, and the ability to limit results by location;


• catalog content––such as book jackets and subject headings––displayed in the result list;


• relevancy ranking;


• one-stop searching with direct links to related information;


• the ability to brand the interface with library colors and logos to further market valuable resources and create awareness of services; and


• an option to create a profile that includes the library catalog along with EBSCOhost databases in a single search, at no extra cost.

Adding links to other library resources is another way to use EBSCOhost as the online catalog’s front end, and this can help public libraries leverage their subscription content. Libraries subscribing to an EBSCOhost database such as Literary Reference Center would be able to provide links from the catalog records to the pertinent literary criticisms or author biographies while NoveList Select subscribers would be able to add reading recommendations for millions of titles. Libraries will also be able to add related information such as book reviews, similar books, other books by the same author, and links to resources such as Google Book Search and social media sites. The ability to brand the interface with library colors and logos allows libraries to further market their valuable resources and push their services to patrons.