The following parameters can be applied when performing  a search:

•     truncation asterisk (*) at the beginning  or end of a keyword

•     wild card character (?) within a keyword

•     quotation marks (“ ”) around  a phrase

•     Boolean operators  (AND,  OR, and NOT) to connect keywords  within a key- word text box

 

Entries conform to Z39.50 use attribute standards.

 

M3 ignores and forgives variations in punctuation, such as apostrophes, quotation marks, brackets, and multiple  continuous  spacing. As defaults, the use of upper and lower  case letters  and special characters such as diacritics  are ignored. M3 can be configured to recognize these items.  Stop words  are not used in M3.

 

Three search methods are available: Standard, Enhanced, and Visual  Catalog, as described in the following sections.

 

 

Standard Search

A basic keyword search method that recognizes Boolean logic, truncation, and proximity. Three specific  fields  can be searched: subject,  title, and author. Patrons can browse  a list of indexed entries to select keywords. If a patron  searches  and no matches are found, the list of indexed entries displays with the closest alphabetical match for the keywords  entered. With the optional Authority  Control module, “See” and “See also” cross-references display with the search results, offering links to more appropriate headings used by your library or related headings that may also be useful.

 

Enhanced Search

A more  advanced search  method that offers search flexibility and options. Patrons can enter simple  or complex keyword search queries, then select the fields and Boolean operators for the search. As with  Standard Search, patrons  can browse  a list of indexed entries to select keywords; the list also displays if no matches are found. This  search method offers customizable drop-down lists of search fields, allowing librarians to choose which fields of the MARC record are searchable.

 

Enhanced Search offers search techniques such as Shelf Browse and Search History. Shelf Browse can also be performed  on search results. As with Standard Search, “See” and “See also” cross-references display with the search results when using the optional Authority Control module.

 

M3 retains all search strings for the duration of the search session. The system allows  the patron to move backward and forward  in a search,  exploring alternate paths without having to retrace the entire original  search.

 

Visual Catalog  Search

An easy point-and-click graphical search method. Patrons click graphical buttons to narrow their searches from broad topics to more defined sub-topics,  ultimately reaching search results. A topic button opens a sub-menu  of additional buttons leading to more sub-menus,  query buttons that launch database searches, and/or launcher buttons  that access different  applications or Web pages. A query button is linked to a pre-defined search query. M3 ships with over 60 pre-configured topic and query buttons.

 

The Visual  Catalog interface is easily customized. Library staff  can use their own names and pictures,  as well as change colors and add logos.  Topic, query, and launcher buttons can be added, modified,  and deleted. The number of levels before a search  results list appears can be increased  or decreased. Animation, sound, and visual properties on all button menus can be globally  or individually modified, enabled, and disabled.