Method and apparatus for supporting an integrated discovery and search environment

A graphical user interface (GUI) implemented by a computer system is disclosed. The GUI includes a search term entry area operable to allow a user to enter text as a search term. The GU includes a hierarchical tree area operable to display data elements in a multi-level hierarchical tree structure, wherein the data elements are representative of searchable data in a database. The GUI includes a search result area operable to display a result of a search query. The GUI includes a search criteria tree area operable to allow a user to enter a new search query of the searchable data in response to the user's selection of one or more of the search term from the search term entry area, data elements from the hierarchical tree area, and result from the search result area, wherein the search term entry area, hierarchical tree area, search results area, and search criteria tree area are displayed together in a single window on the GUI.