Here's touting our own site:
http://www.library.vcu.edu/
http://search.library.vcu.edu

This search is using a hosted instance of Ex Libris' Primo. So I'm not sure
we qualify as technologically sophisticated in terms of coding our own
discovery layer. I do think we are exemplary for simplicity of the search
layer, using the combined everything (catalog + journal articles + local
digital collections) as the default. These scoped searches are only
available through advanced search. We have broken out of the tab-crazy
UI. What is especially interesting I think about our case is that shortly
this Fall our OPAC will completely disappear, as we are one of the early
adopters of Alma which uses Primo as its front end.

We have been running the following aggressive stop sign for links into the
catalog since summer without great uproar:
http://www.library.vcu.edu/catalog/

So, we are "all in" for a single search solution. I had many reservations
about this direction at first with great attachment to developing and
featuring a separate search for the traditional catalog dressed up in
discovery. Some of my colleagues did a good job challenging these
assumptions and pushing us forward.

--Jimmy

-- 
Jimmy Ghaphery
Head, Library Information Systems
VCU Libraries
804-827-3551

On Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 3:00 PM, Tania Fersenheim <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> Got a favorite discovery interface?  Send me the URL
>
> I am doing some quick & dirty investigation into libraries that have
> successfully and elegantly integrated discovery of various resources,
> e.g.:
>
>  - library catalog
>  - federated indexing service such as  Serials Solutions or Primo
> Central, or a federated search system like Metalib
>  - ejournals
>  - ebooks
>  - libguides
>  - library web site
>  - worldcat local
>  - that kind o' stuff
>
> I am looking for sites that are both nice to look at and seem easy to
> use.  I will assume that if you're touting your own site it is
> technologically sophisticated.  :-D  Got any faves?
>
> Tania
>
> --
>
> Tania Fersenheim
> Manager of Library Systems
>
> Brandeis University
> Library and Technology Services
>
> 415 South Street, (MS 017/P.O. Box 549110)
> Waltham, MA 02454-9110
> Phone: 781.736.4698
> Fax: 781.736.4577
> email: [log in to unmask]
>