One Search or One System? Weighing Cross-Platform Discovery Against All-in-One Repositories

The challenge of content discoverability across multiple platforms is not new to libraries – nor is the challenge of constantly diminishing budgets. This session explores two contrasting approaches: using a discovery service to aggregate search results from separate repositories or consolidating diverse content types—such as institutional repositories and Special Collections—into a single system for an all-in-one approach. We will examine the technical and strategic implications of each model, including metadata normalization, interoperability challenges, and user experience. Attendees will gain practical insights into the pros and cons of each approach, helping them make informed decisions for their own institutions.