Do you ever use the word cloud on CML's catalog? I often get questions from people about its purpose. The cloud on CML's website is a discovery cloud, which means it gives you a chance to explore different subjects. Some clouds are refinement clouds, which give you fewer search results that are increasingly specific. The Nashville Public Library's catalog has an example of a refinement cloud. Note the word "discovery" by our catalog's word cloud, and "refine by tag," on the right side of the screen on Nashville's catalog.
Both types of clouds can be useful. If you're not really sure what you're in the mood for, the discovery cloud can give you some interesting subjects. You can go from books about roses to mausoleums to Macbeth to machete. It's probably the library nerd in me, but I find the subjects used in cataloging really interesting. However, if you know exactly what you're searching for and the cloud is only getting in your way, you can minimize it by hitting the arrow above the cloud.
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