Turned loose in the OPAC: URL selection, addition, and management process

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to cover the institutional decision‐making processes behind the decision to add machine readable cataloging records to the library catalog that link to hundreds of thousands of URLs with freely available web content, the management processes making this possible, as well as other more philosophical concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study conducted at the University of Denver, Penrose Library.

Findings

Implementing a URL tracking system, combined with a philosophical decision to follow a proactive URL maintenance approach rather than a reactive one, has resulted in an improved error rate for URL click‐throughs.

Originality/value

The paper addresses URL maintenance issues, staffing solutions, and error rates not addressed elsewhere in the literature.

Citation

Meagher, E.S. and Brown, C.C. (2010), "Turned loose in the OPAC: URL selection, addition, and management process", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 360-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378831011076620