Scope and Use Case

A non-discoverable (or "private") item is one that is simply hidden from all search/browse/OAI results, and is therefore only accessible via direct link (or bookmark).  By default, all items are discoverable, meaning they will appear in search/browse/OAI results.

Non-discoverable items may or may not be access restricted.  It is possible for an item to be anonymously visible, but non-discoverable, so that you can only access the item if you are given a link to it.

Expected use cases:

• Provide a light rights awareness feature where discovery is not enabled for search and/or browse
• Hide “special items” such as repository presentations, guides or support materials
• Hide an old version of an item in cases where real versioning is not appropriate or liked

Non-discoverable items are not guaranteed to be hidden from search engines. 

For more details about non-discoverable items, see DSpace Item State Definitions

Audience

• Repository Administrators
• Community Administrators
• Collection Administrators

Make an item non-discoverable

Step 1: Login using your DSpace credentials.

Step 2: Go to the item you want to edit.

Users can reach an item through multiple methods, including those listed below:

1. Search for an item 
2. Browse communities and collections
3. Find an item in the Administration section at Edit > Item
4. Use the existing item URL

Step 3: Click on the “Edit” button as highlighted on the screen below. This button will appear to any user who has edit rights on the target item.

Step 4: Click on the “Make it non-discoverable...” button under the “Status” tab.

Step 5: Click on the “Make it non-discoverable” button to make the item non-discoverable or click on the “Cancel” button to cancel the operation.

Step 6: You will see a success prompt confirming that the item is non-discoverable, as shown below.

Step 7: The item page now shows a "This item is non-discoverable" banner, and the item does not appear in a list of search or browse results.

Edited and approved by DCAT Documentation Working Group, December 2024.