Search results

To consider the findings of a recent e‐resources survey at the University of Exeter Library in the context of the dominance of web search engines in academia, balanced by the development of e‐library tools such as the library OPAC, OpenURL resolvers, metasearch engines, LDAP and proxy servers, and electronic resource management modules.

Report of survey findings in the context of similar, recent research and articles.

The survey confirmed the very high usage, ease of use, confident use and user satisfaction in web search engines as the predominant means of accessing academic information. The survey also reveals the considerable use, user confidence, and search success of Exeter's various e‐library tools. A number of variations have been detected between user groups including part‐time groups, disabled users and those who do not own personal computers.

The paper confirms popular conceptions about how academic users access information although it clearly identifies a vital, continuing role for e‐library tools which must accordingly develop and adapt to users' preferences.

The paper draws on aspects raised by recent international surveys and research. It reveals highly‐profiled survey findings in the context of the University of Exeter and a unique insight into the current use of e‐library tools in this setting.

This paper aims to consider the potential use of Web 2.0 tools as the basis for the creation of a virtual research environment. Specific features of the Web 2.0 world are explored because of their suitability for this purpose.

The concepts of virtual research environment and Web 2.0 are defined and the theoretical merits of using Web 2.0 tools are considered against the key components required for the successful implementation and operation of a VRE in the context of the UK academic sector. The most relevant Web 2.0 tools are considered on a brief, individual basis before being mixed together to construct a desktop‐based VRE based on a web browser. Final sections explore the role for the librarian in this user‐led environment and whether the approach described has global application.

A VRE based on Web 2.0 technology is not only viable but a certainty. However, some desirable features of a VRE may have to wait until Web 3.0 tools become available.

There is very limited literature describing operational applications of a Web 2.0 approach to the development of a VRE. This study is therefore conceptual.

The concepts considered are capable of easy implementation by academic researchers.

A major impact of the “credit‐crunch” will be that research funds become harder to obtain. Systems which enhance the quality of research – as a VRE undoubtedly does – will become even more important. The paper concludes that a VRE based on Web 2.0 tools is totally viable.

This paper aims to describe the first year of implementation of the Innovative Interfaces Inc. Millennium Access Plus (MAP) portal at the University of Exeter Library, UK.

The paper provides a description of the features of MAP and a case study

In as little as 25 years, online information provision has been transformed. This has largely been uncontrolled, yet the resources now available offer rich returns for the data‐hungry end user. Increasingly, many users require their information immediately and really do not care where it is stored. Such demands, coupled with librarians’ natural tendency to apply order, have led to the development of library portals which aim to solve the problems arising from trying to navigate this labyrinth of information. The MAP portal is one such product. Using the NISO OpenURL standard, MAP offers three main elements – contextual linking via WebBridge, one step “multi” searching using MetaFind and resource authentication through Web Access Management (WAM). Use of this portal at the University of Exeter Library has made a considerable, positive impact on the recent use of online full‐text systems and services and the experiences undoubtedly point to a strong future for such interfaces everywhere.

The paper is limited to experiences at the University of Exeter Library.

The paper will inform the information community on the experiences of this innovative product

This is an original description of a new concept and provides evaluative material.

Although the integrated library system increasingly dominates the information activities of library staff and users, there are very few objective measures available by which to evaluate its medium to long‐term impact. This article moves towards the production of a simple, numerical index of ILS evaluation. It applies a variety of context‐dependent evaluation methods to the different phases of the ILS lifecycle culminating in a draft index of evaluation. Although this methodology and index should not be regarded as a finished product, it should act as a useful starting point for further comparative studies, particularly those that seek simple ways to incorporate relevant, less‐subjective criteria into the ILS evaluation process.

A library management system is a significant investment for libraries, but the procurement of a system is an infrequent activity with little opportunity for librarians to build on their experience. The procurement process is also difficult for potential system suppliers who must respond to specifications which are variable in content, format and quality. The HARMONISE project aimed to determine the feasibility of developing a model system specification which could be used to assist libraries in the procurement of library management systems. Specifications collected from libraries which had recently acquired a library management system were analysed. The results demonstrate that the functional requirements specified for each of the core modules had strong similarities both within and across library sectors. A survey of UK system suppliers was also undertaken to determine their views on the specification as a procurement tool. Suppliers expressed frustration with the tendency for specifications to be dominated by lists of functional requirements which were present in all library management systems on the market today. In conclusion, a model specification incorporating basic functions, which can be expected in all library management systems, should be developed.

In common with many other UK academic libraries using the LIBERTAS library management system, Bristol University Library set out in 1998 to acquire a replacement. This paper describes the background to the Bristol project to choose a new system, and some of its distinctive features, briefly indicates the outcome (acquisition of Aleph 500 from Ex Libris), and draws some lessons from the experience. It is easy to under. estimate the size of the task involved in installing a modern library management system. Careful thought should be given to an assessment of conversion needs and to the justifcation for retaining existing practices (e.g. use of UKMARC) rather than accepting the international norm. Both staff and users must understand the need for change and be prepared for its consequences. On‐site support from the system supplier is vital and time is of the essence.

The development of the World‐Wide Web has caught the imagination not only of professional computer users, but also of large sections of the general public: news and feature items concerning aspects of the Internet abound in the popular media, and these commonly specify the Web as the technology of choice for accessing a wide variety of information resources.