Open Discovery Initiative (ODI)

The Rutgers University Libraries support the recommendations of the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) Open Discovery Initiative (ODI), with the goal of ensuring transparency in discovery and conformance with industry best practices. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to share our ODI conformance statement describing the specific measures taken to ensure reliable and consistent access to library resources and the best possible search experience for our users.

This statement is reviewed and updated annually. For more information, please contact Joseph Deodato at jdeodato@rutgers.edu.

Rutgers University Libraries ODI Conformance Statement

Download PDF version of Rutgers University Libraries ODI Conformance Statement

Libraries are encouraged to take specific measures to assert their conformance with NISO RP-19-2020, the recommended practices of NISO’s Open Discovery Initiative. These measures are voluntarily made by each organization, in an effort to increase transparency and communications around pre-indexed or “web-scale” library discovery services. The ODI Conformance Checklist below was created to enable standardized methods for libraries to assert their ODI conformance to content providers, discovery services, and other industry stakeholders.

“Y” (Yes) indicates compliance with the recommended practice. “P” (Partial) indicates partial compliance. “N” indicates noncompliance.

Y/P/N Recommendation Reference Comment
 Y  Library designates individuals to be responsible for configuring Discovery Service, link resolver, proxy, and other discovery-related tools for subscribed content from Content Providers. Designated point persons should work or coordinate with each other. 3.4.1.1 (1) The discovery platform, link resolver, and related tools are managed by the Discovery Services Librarian. The proxy server is managed by the library’s IT department. 
Y Library enables linking, ranking, and authentication options available in the Discovery Service Tool for subscribed content from Content Providers, and seeks clarification if needed. 3.4.1.1 (2)  
P Library documents configuration decisions and the reasons behind these decisions. 3.4.1.1 (3) Most (but not all) configuration decisions are recorded in our systems change log. The reasons behind these changes are documented in internal meeting minutes. By 2024, we plan to conduct an audit of the change log to ensure all decisions are fully documented. 
Y Library regularly evaluates and updates its configurations of Discovery Service configurations. 3.4.1.1 (4) Monthly software releases are monitored for product enhancements and fixes. New features are configured and tested in the sandbox prior to implementation.   
Y Library plans for system upgrades and seeks assistance from vendors if needed. 3.4.1.2 (1) System upgrades are scheduled by the vendor and published in their annual development roadmap and monthly release notes. 
Y Library plans and documents for discovery tool changes and seeks assistance from vendors if needed. 3.4.1.2 (2)  
Y Library selects the correct database collections available in the Discovery Service tool for subscribed content from Content Provider and seeks clarification from the Discovery Service Provider and Content Provider when needed.  3.4.1.3    
Y Library works with the Discovery Service Provider to learn exactly what, if any, adjustments can be made to result ranking, boosting, and weighting, and seeks clarification if needed. 3.4.1.4  
Y Library selects the correct holdings packages available in link resolver for the subscribed content from Content Providers and seeks clarification from the link resolver provider and Content Provider when needed. 3.4.1.5 (1) Electronic holdings managed by the Electronic Resources Librarian. Once activated, these holdings are automatically made available in the discovery platform and accessible via the link resolver. 
Y Library regularly evaluates and updates its configurations of library link resolver configurations. 3.4.1.5 (2)  
Y Library configures the proxy server for discovery services and link resolvers, and seeks clarification if needed. 3.4.1.6  
P Library works with vendors to create detailed agreements on what support the provider offers during and after implementation. 3.4.2.1 In our experience, most support agreements are not customizable but we will negotiate with a vendor if the terms offered do not meet our needs.
Y Library regularly checks and evaluates ODI Conformance Statements from Content Providers and Discovery Service Providers and publisher-provided configuration guides for libraries. 3.4.2.2 (1) This is typically done when 1) evaluating a new product for purchase, 2) acquiring a resource with unique configuration requirements, or 3) troubleshooting a technical problem. 
Y Library advocates increasing ODI conformance for Content Providers and Discovery Service Providers. 3.4.2.2 (2)  
Y Library uses the vendor-provided tools to report missing, incomplete, or incorrect database collections, first to the Discovery Service Provider, and next to the Content Provider. 3.4.2.3  
Y Library develops and executes a staff training program for one or more staff members on managing the Discovery Service, link resolver, proxy, and other discovery-related tools. 3.4.3.1 (1) Documentation on configuring and managing the discovery service is provided by the vendor. Additional staff training is offered as needed.
Y Library provides regular training sessions to patrons and staff on how to use Discovery Service tool. 3.4.3.1 (2)  User support is provided via live chat and email as well as on-demand help documentation and video tutorials. Additional user training is offered as needed.
Y Library staff read official documentation, announcements, and updates, and make relevant adjustments in configurations. 3.4.3.1 (3)  
Y Library staff join the online communities (listservs and forums) for the Discovery Service Providers, engage in dialogue, offer ideas and suggestions, and share innovative approaches created or implemented. 3.4.3.1 (4)  Library staff regularly participate in online community forums, annual user group meetings, and customer mailing list discussions. 
Y Library staff on licensing, electronic resources, systems and front service regularly meet to discuss configuring Discovery Service, link resolver, proxy server, and other discovery-related tools for subscribed content. 3.4.3.2  

Last updated in January 11, 2023.