Smart Search doesn't search my library

I'm trying out the smart search feature, but all the results are to books that I don't own. I have a pretty large library, so I don't lack resources. But every result is only for books to buy. This isn't useful at all. Is there some toggle I've missed?

If you look on my screenshot, every result is locked.

Find more posts tagged with

Desktop App

Comments

Mason Miller

I've just noticed there is a "bookstore" tab hidden in the "more" tab.
Is there a way to turn that off? I want to be able to search all of my library together - books, factbook, bibles and NOT things in the bookstore.

DMB

'All' tab includes the bookstore. 'Books' tab is yours. Then, your library or downloaded.

Another confusing design from Faithlife.

Graham Criddle

I've just noticed there is a "bookstore" tab hidden in the "more" tab.

The bookstore tab is there for if you just want to search the bookstore.

I want to be able to search all of my library together - books, factbook, bibles and NOT things in the bookstore.

When you do an All Search (smart mode) Logos searches everything in its catalog whether we own them or not.

But if you select a Books Search (smart mode) Logos only searches books you own. So this seems to be closest to the option you are looking for - although it doesn't include Factbook

Mason Miller

The problem with including the bookstore in the search results by default is that because there are so many books in the bookstore, when you search "all," results from the bookstore are the ONLY results you get. It essentially means you HAVE to switch to a different search tab to search anything.

Dave Hooton

The problem with including the bookstore in the search results by default is that because there are so many books in the bookstore, when you search "all," results from the bookstore are the ONLY results you get. It essentially means you HAVE to switch to a different search tab to search anything.

From the time of your response, I think you missed Graham's response just above yours.

Mason Miller

The problem with including the bookstore in the search results by default is that because there are so many books in the bookstore, when you search "all," results from the bookstore are the ONLY results you get. It essentially means you HAVE to switch to a different search tab to search anything.

From the time of your response, I think you missed Graham's response just above yours.

No I didn't miss it. What I'm saying is that since the total number of books available in the bookstore is so vast, searching "all" in smart search in practice is simply a redundant search of the bookstore.

MJ. Smith

What I'm saying is that since the total number of books available in the bookstore is so vast, searching "all" in smart search in practice is simply a redundant search of the bookstore.

It can be, but if you have a large library or are searching for something that your library is strong on, you may scarcely be aware that the bookstore is included. I sometimes run searches where there are many bookstore hits in the first 50, and sometimes get no bookstore hits in the top 50. I understand your complaint but also see it as a balancing act where they don't quite have the mix right for everyone.

EDUARDO JIMENEZ

It essentially means you HAVE to switch to a different search tab to search anything

And this is unnecessary, I agree.

I had the same feeling at the beginning. It's our workspace. It seems a bit abusive to me that Logos floods you with their catalog. In the library there is already an (I think) decent option if you want to search their catalog. Besides, it's convenient to have on hand. I remember Google searches, "25,123,987,443,234..." of hits found in 0.0000001 second. It was ridiculous!

Graham Criddle

It seems a bit abusive to me that Logos floods you with their catalog

I will admit I don't see it that way.

I can choose whether to use the Books Search or the All Search knowing that the All Search will not be constrained to books I own. The advantage of it, to me, is that with the Smart Search being designed to find the most relevant articles corresponding to my search request it might be that a book I don't own has the best available information. And with the ability to summarise the results I can make a relatively informed decision as to whether I want to purchase the book.

In the library there is already an (I think) decent option if you want to search their catalog

You can search for books in the catalog but you can't search for content within those books - that is what the All Search adds.

Sam Shelton

The advantage of it, to me, is that with the Smart Search being designed to find the most relevant articles corresponding to my search request it might be that a book I don't own has the best available information. And with the ability to summarise the results I can make a relatively informed decision as to whether I want to purchase the book.

I find that I have to agree with Graham. The Smart Search has already benefited me by helping me find books to add to my library, for just as MJ has stated, I find that my library may be strong in one topic, while weak in another.

By pointing me to information in these books that I did not own before, the “All” search has helped me choose books that strengthen my library in the searched topic. If I find though that this “All” search for a particular subject seems to be information overload, I can then narrow my focus by choosing “Bible,” “Books,” “Factbook,” “Morph,” etc.

Mason Miller

I will admit I don't see it that way.

I can choose whether to use the Books Search or the All Search knowing that the All Search will not be constrained to books I own. The advantage of it, to me, is that with the Smart Search being designed to find the most relevant articles corresponding to my search request it might be that a book I don't own has the best available information. And with the ability to summarize the results I can make a relatively informed decision as to whether I want to purchase the book.

This is a good perspective. I need to adjust my expectations. I can see how this would be helpful.

EDUARDO JIMENEZ

You can search for books in the catalog but you can't search for content within those books - that is what the All Search adds.

Buen punto sir[:)]! Didn't know.

Once, in an interview, the CEO of Logos said that they had learned what a mistake it would be to give more advantages with the Personal Books tool. He said "let's not kid ourselves, this is a business". I think everyone around here understands that. I agreed with him. But, it's a business on both sides. At my library I'm not looking for what to buy, I'm looking for information for my studies. I'll see if I feel the need to look for something else, in which case, yes, would appreciate an option in the panel.

In other words, "Hey, Logos, don't assume that what you have to offer me is better than what I already have, if you haven't even shown it to me."

From the point of view of psychology, I think it is a matter of not invading personal space. [;)]

Graham Criddle

At my library I'm not looking for what to buy, I'm looking for information for my studies. I'll see if I feel the need to look for something else, in which case, yes, would appreciate an option in the panel.

Does executing the search as a Books Search give you that - with the option to switch to an All Search for that extra information?

EDUARDO JIMENEZ

Does executing the search as a Books Search give you that - with the option to switch to an All Search for that extra information?

Remember my English is very poor, I don't know if I caught the sense of what you are saying. All I say, is that the scope of "All" should be my library. And in the results of my search, that it should appear an option if I want to search the Logos catalog. I know that talking about thousandths of a second seems like a trifle, but computers have made us rethink the meaning of efficiency. I am referring to the time it takes you to switch from one option to another. Not to mention psychology!

Roy

Maybe a visual would help?

Tes

I've just noticed there is a "bookstore" tab hidden in the "more" tab.

I think so. The AL shows me books I don't have. I have bought some books. So in this case, whether directly or indirectly, it seems to be a kind of advertising resources.

Dave Hooton

The AL shows me books I don't have. I have bought some books. So in this case, whether directly or indirectly, it seems to be a kind of advertising resources.

"Smart" advertising[:)]

Dave Hooton

Maybe a visual would help?

.

Do you mind if I reproduce for the Search wiki (I don't mean "copy", but I leave that to you)?

Roy

Hi Dave,

No I do not mind at all. Go for it! [;)]

Dave Hooton

Hi Dave,

No I do not mind at all. Go for it!

Thanks, Roy

I realised that it had to be modified as our Library has "owned/permanent" books and "temporary" books. So I used "your own books" to include books from a subscription or a "free" edition of Logos. I also put the focus on Smart Search in both ALL and Books Search.

Roy

I realised that it had to be modified as our Library has "owned/permanent" books and "temporary" books. So I used "your own books" to include books from a subscription or a "free" edition of Logos. I also put the focus on Smart Search in both ALL and Books Search.

It looks good Dave! [Y]