Custom Search Indexes

Custom Index Search provides institutions with the ability to define, activate, and manage bibliographic search indexes tailored specifically to their unique MARC metadata. While Alma offers a suite of out-of-the-box Search Indexes, this feature grants granular control over how your cataloging data is parsed and retrieved.

Learn more on Ex Libris Documentation (Custom Bibliographic Search Index)

Key Capabilities

• Isolate Specific MARC Fields: Create precision indexes using single MARC tags. For instance, you can separate a Main Entry Author (MARC 100) from broader "Creator" indexes that aggregate multiple fields.

• Define Local Labels: Assign user-facing names and labels to these indexes that align with the institution's specific terminology and standards.

• Bridge Data Gaps: Create sets and reports based on specific MARC fields that are not currently exported to or available in Alma Analytics

Search Tip

Custom indexes are defined at the field level. To narrow a search to a specific subfield, you can manually include the subfield code and delimiter (e.g., $a Albert Einstein) within your search string.