About the Platform #
Tuklas: UP Libraries’ Discovery Tool aims to put together all of the existing local bibliographic databases of print, multimedia, and online library resources available in the UP Library System to offer an all-in-one search solution to users. It mainly seeks to make available all resources regardless of format with its rich bibliographic information for faster access and retrieval. It shall serve as an online tool to enable researchers to search seamlessly across a wide range of content.
Tuklas is based on the open-source software VuFind, enhanced and customized to cater to the UP community’s changing research needs and information-seeking behavior. It offers a more sophisticated approach to searching content that anticipates users’ intent by providing easy-to-use features. The platform is designed to suit users’ needs, including fast and efficient search tools, the ability to refine results for more specific and accurate searches, citations for referencing, and other mechanisms to ease one’s search experience.
Purpose #
This documentation for Tuklas aims to explain the functions, flexibilities, and content of the library’s Discovery Tool. This all-in-one search platform puts together all of the library’s locally managed databases and its online resources subscriptions for easy access and retrieval. This documentation will be subject to modifications as the platform continues to develop.
Functions #
Tuklas operates under three simple functions that encapsulate what the platform is all about: Search, Discover, and Create. It promises a search experience that is simple and reliable.
Search #
The first function of Tuklas is to facilitate search, which is fulfilled straightforwardly on the home page. Right off the bat, there are three options to browse the collection. Currently, three local databases of the University Library are embedded in the platform. The union catalog formerly as the iLib, the Index to Philippine Newspapers, and the Index to Philippine Periodicals. These three local databases contain bibliographic information of the various collections of the library regardless of format.
In the past, searching was done separately in each of the databases. Through the Discovery Tool, it is now possible to cross-search through locally managed databases in a single platform. Searching through the platform is possible using different methods, whether single or combined. Discovery Search facilitates simultaneous search in all available databases and brings back search results that may or may not be narrowed down depending on the user’s preference.
Discover #
Tuklas or to discover is to unearth new information. It offers a better search experience. Through its rich metadata capabilities, it enables users to find not only what they’re looking for but also materials related to their search, which may, in turn, be useful to their study. Through the use of keywords, users can search for related literature.
Create #
The term create refers to many things, one of which is the ability to create citations, bibliographic references, and other research sources. It may also refer to developing new and compelling research made possible by effective and efficient search mechanisms.
Intended Readership #
As all features of Tuklas are accessible to the general public, this documentation is written for users of all types: students, faculty, and staff of the University, as well as non-members of the UP community.
System Requirements #
Tuklas is purely web-based. It only requires an internet-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone with a modern web browser. It is tested to work well on Chromium- (i.e. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera), Gecko- (Mozilla Firefox), and WebKit-based (Apple Safari) browsers.
User Access Levels #
Since all features of Tuklas are accessible to the general public, users need not to log-in to the platform.
With contributions from Aiza May V. Palaya.