SeeSearch discovery tool launches with South Dublin Libraries

SeeSearch, a new online search and discovery tool that enables library customers to find information more easily, was launched today at South Dublin Libraries by Mayor Fintan Warfield. SeeSearch allows customers to use their computers and mobile devices both in the library and at home to easily search for information including books, articles and multimedia files. Previously, library users needed to carry out separate searches of the multiple libraries in the library’s catalogue. Now, thanks to SeeSearch, both customers and staff can perform a single search across all resources, with one search term returning relevant results from all online resources. In addition, SeeSearch provides highly visual search results which help customers and staff see all the resources available and to browse and select from the range of hits returned. SeeSearch enables South Dublin Libraries to showcase the vast range of diverse quality content it offers to customers.

Kieran Swords, Acting County Librarian, South Dublin Libraries stated: “South Dublin Libraries are thrilled to be implementing SeeSearch, an extremely impressive discovery tool, designed and developed in Ireland. SeeSearch, with its single search, simplifies access to the online resources offered by South Dublin Libraries exposing the wide range of informational, recreational and cultural resources of our libraries. The user-friendly visual search results interface surpasses our expectations in delivering the library service’s vision of the 24/7 library without walls.”

SeeSearch was designed by Dr. Hilary Kenna, a lecturer in design at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) who has been developing the idea over the last two years with funding from Enterprise Ireland’s commercialisation fund. In October 2013, Dr. Kenna spun out a startup company called Vizolve Ltd., with David Garvan, lead developer of SeeSearch, to commercially develop and sell the product. Since then, they have secured investment from WAYRA, Telefónica’s accelerator programme and Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Programme.

SeeSearch CEO Dr. Hilary Kenna added: “When I presented the concept for SeeSearch to South Dublin Libraries, County Librarian Georgina Byrne was immediately interested because coincidentally at the time, they were looking for an all-in-one discovery solution. Since that meeting we have been collaborating with South Dublin Libraries in developing SeeSearch, from its features and application to the information resources that South Dublin Libraries offers to its customers.”

You don’t have to be a registered user to search the library (but you do to borrow items), however you can use SeeSearch at www.southdublinlibraries.ie and find more about Vizolve at www.myseesearch.com.