Discovery Systems and Information Literacy (Part I). Musings on the Current State of Search Interfaces

University online library catalogues typically provide undergraduate students with a user interface organised around a large search box. This design is clearly intended to mimic a Google-like search experience. However, unlike Google Search, discovery systems also include faceted navigation, which allows users to filter search results according to multiple criteria. This approach is problematic for users who are unfamiliar with the subject domain of interest and need conceptual guidance to consolidate their understanding of the information space they are about to explore in advance of a query. Exploratory search is an open-ended process involving cognitive and learning activities that can improve information literacy skills.