Visual Search is an easy point-and-click 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 link buttons that access different applications or Web pages. A query button is linked to a pre-defined search query. Oasis includes over 60 pre-config- ured topic and query buttons.
The Visual Search interface is easily customized. Library staff can use their own captions and pictures, as well as change colors and add logos. Topic, query, and link 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.
