SPL Shorthand for Public Links

Basics

The general format of these predefined search URLs is:

http://search.spokanelibrary.org/{{method}}/{{string}}

Where

• {{method}} is the type of search (e.g. artist)
• {{string}} is the actual search term (e.g my+favorite+band)

Just

1. Choose a search method
2. Type a search string
3. Press Copy Link to Clipboard – done!

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Booleans

You can also use and combine the logical operators and, not, or
– just tack on an operator and term(s) set seperated by the / symbol.

This is easier to show by example:

• http://search.spokanelibrary.org/genre/jazz/or/blues
  jazz or blues
• http://search.spokanelibrary.org/genre/jazz/and/blues
  jazz and blues
• http://search.spokanelibrary.org/genre/jazz/and/blues/zydeco
  jazz and blues and zydeco
• http://search.spokanelibrary.org/genre/jazz/and/blues/zydeco/not/rock
  jazz and blues and zydeco but not rock

In order to keep the syntax relatively simple there is no provision for combining indexes.
Keep in mind that some Horizon indexes do not support boolean operators.

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Truncation

You can use the truncation characters * & ? in your queries.

The * works as an indefinite truncation (one or more letters), while ? works as a single letter truncation (wom?n). More details in the Horizon docs.

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Auto Copy to Clipboard

The Copy to Clipboard button requires a little bit of Flash to work.

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Spaces

Remember: It is always a good idea to use a + symbol instead of a space in your links. The Internet thanks you!

The link builder will do this for you though, so don't sweat it.

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Let me know if you need additional search methods or have other suggestions.

-sg 2012/08/17