VuFind: Discovery Layer for Libraries
[an error occurred while processing this directive]At a Glance
Key Features
Faceted Search
Advanced faceted navigation with customizable filters for format, language, publication date, and more.
Federated Searching
Search across multiple sources simultaneously including your catalog, e-books, journals, and external databases.
ILS Agnostic
Works with any ILS through standard protocols. Connect to Koha, Evergreen, Millennium, or any OPAC system.
Responsive Design
Mobile-first responsive interface that works seamlessly on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers.
Patron Features
Personalized accounts, saved searches, reading lists, book reviews, and library notifications integration.
Customizable Interface
Flexible theming and configuration options to match your library's branding and user experience preferences.
Setup Guide
- Plan Discovery Strategy: Evaluate current Primo setup and patron usage. Determine which resources should be discoverable through VuFind. Plan for federated searching, database connections, and integration with your ILS.
- Infrastructure Setup: Prepare hosting environment (cloud or on-premises). Set up web server, PHP environment, and database. Configure search engine (Solr) infrastructure and plan for indexing workflow.
- Install & Configure VuFind: Deploy VuFind application. Configure connection to your ILS through appropriate protocol. Set up search index and configure facets matching your library's needs.
- Data Integration: Connect to your ILS OPAC to index bibliographic records. Configure federated search sources for e-books, databases, and external resources. Test search results and indexing quality.
- Customize Interface: Customize branding, color scheme, and layout. Configure patron account features. Set up notification integration. Create help documentation for patrons.
- Testing & Optimization: Run usability testing with patrons. Test search quality, relevance ranking, and facet performance. Optimize search algorithms and tune performance.
- Launch & Monitor: Deploy to production and direct patrons to new discovery interface. Monitor usage, search patterns, and user feedback. Make refinements based on real usage data.
Resources & Links
Official Homepage
VuFind project site with releases, news, and information about the discovery layer project.
Documentation
Comprehensive wiki with installation, configuration, and customization guides for VuFind.
Community Resources
Forums, mailing lists, and community spaces to connect with other VuFind implementers.