Search results

1 – 10 of 766
Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Hollie M. Osborne and Andrew Cox

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether features of next-generation Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) interfaces are useful and intuitive to users who have different…

1973

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether features of next-generation Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) interfaces are useful and intuitive to users who have different levels of searching ability. In addition, it investigates whether there is a difference between librarians’ and students’ preferences for specific features.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 18 semi-structured interviews conducted in July 2012 with three groups of library users from The University of Sheffield: librarians; Master of Arts Librarianship students; and a group of other post-graduate students.

Findings

Overall, this study suggests that while the next-generation catalogue interfaces and features are useful, they are not as “intuitive” as some previous studies have claimed. Interviewees appeared to prefer the searching and browsing options over the Web 2.0 features. Both librarians and students have similar opinions regarding the usefulness of next-generation OPAC features, but preferences are complex.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on one institution, and the disciplinary background of the post-graduate students was limited.

Practical implications

Promoting next generation OPACs and explaining their features to users is essential.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the understanding of users’ preferences in relation to next-generation OPACs, locating the findings of the current findings firmly in the context of previous literature.

Details

Program, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2011

Sharon Q. Yang and Melissa A. Hofmann

The study described in this paper aims to identify the progress made in the efforts to model current online public access catalogs (OPACs) after the next generation catalog (NGC…

5685

Abstract

Purpose

The study described in this paper aims to identify the progress made in the efforts to model current online public access catalogs (OPACs) after the next generation catalog (NGC) in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of 260 colleges and universities was selected from Peterson's Guide to Four‐Year Colleges 2009, an estimated 10 percent of the total population of 2,560 listed academic institutions. A checklist of 12 features of the NGC was used to evaluate the OPACs of the 260 libraries in the sample. The authors took as the OPAC that which the library linked to as its “catalog,” even though some might be more properly considered “discovery tools” or “discovery layers.” Some libraries used more than one OPAC interface simultaneously; in this case, each OPAC was analyzed separately. In the case of several institutions using the same consortial OPAC, only the first instance of the OPAC was analyzed. About 15 percent of the institutions (n=40) in the sample either did not have web sites or did not provide access to their online catalogs. In all, a total of 233 unique instances of OPACs were analyzed. Data were collected from September 2009 through July 2010. The findings can be extrapolated to the population at the 95 percent confidence level with a confidence interval of ±3.

Findings

While bits and pieces of the next generation catalog are steadily working themselves into the current catalog, academic libraries still have a long way to go. About 16 percent of the OPACs in the sample did not show any advanced features of the NGC. More than half of the libraries (61 percent) had only one to five advanced features in their OPACs. Many of those with six or more NGC features were discovery tools. Only 3 percent of the OPACs in the sample (n=8) demonstrated seven to ten out of the 12 functionalities of the NGC, and they were instances either of WorldCat Local or Summon. The weak areas were federated searching, relevance based on circulation statistics, and recommendations based on patron transactions.

Originality/value

This is the first and only study on a large scale conducted thus far that evaluates the progress towards the NGC in academic libraries in the USA and Canada. The findings help academic librarians to recognize and pin‐point the weak links in implementing a true next generation catalog.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2009

Winnie Tam, Andrew M. Cox and Andy Bussey

The purpose of this paper is to identify the features that international student users prefer for next generation OPACs.

2963

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the features that international student users prefer for next generation OPACs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 16 international students of the University of Sheffield were interviewed in July 2008 to explore their preferences among potential features in next generation OPACs. A semi‐structured interview schedule with images of mock‐up screens was used.

Findings

The results of the interviews were broadly consistent with previous studies. In general, students expect features in next generation OPACs should save their time, be easy to use and relevant to their search. This study found that recommender features and features that can provide better navigation of search results are desired by users. However, Web 2.0 features, such as RSS feeds and those features which involved user participation were among the least popular.

Practical implications

This paper produces findings of relevance to any academic library seeking to implement a nextgeneration OPAC.

Originality/value

There have been no previous published research studies of users' preferences among possible features of nextgeneration OPACs.

Details

Program, vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Melissa A. Hofmann and Sharon Q. Yang

This paper aims to determine the current usage of next generation online public access catalogs (OPACs) and discovery tools in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.

2679

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the current usage of next generation online public access catalogs (OPACs) and discovery tools in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the same random sample of 260 colleges and universities in the USA and Canada from their original study, the authors revisited each institution's library web page to ascertain whether the OPAC interface(s) offered were the same or different than in their initial data collection. Data was collected and analyzed in October and November 2011.

Findings

Discovery tool use has practically doubled in the last two years, from 16 percent to 29 percent. A total of 96 percent of academic libraries using discovery tools still provide access to their legacy catalog. The percentage of institutions using ILS OPACs with faceted navigation has increased from 2 percent to 4 percent. Combining the use of discovery tools and faceted OPACs, at least 33 percent of academic libraries are now using a faceted interface. Discovery tools that aim to be the “single point of entry for all library resources” are the most recently popular.

Research limitations/implications

About 16 percent of the institutions (n=43) in the sample either did not have web sites or did not provide access to their online catalogs. Thus, some data might be underreported.

Practical implications

The findings identify trends that may inform academic libraries in the quest to providing next generation interfaces to their varied resources.

Originality/value

This study gives a timely update of next generation catalog (NGC) and discovery tool usage in academic libraries in the USA and Canada.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2009

Carmel Denholm, Leto Kauler, Jan Lavelle and Lloyd Sokvitne

This paper aims to describe the process of development undertaken by the State Library of Tasmania to provide a new generation OPAC – TALISPlus.

2171

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the process of development undertaken by the State Library of Tasmania to provide a new generation OPAC – TALISPlus.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods developed and used to meet the “getting” needs of clients in the new OPAC are described, with examples based on the alternatives investigated and the results achieved.

Findings

During this development process the State Library established, through client consultation and feedback, that the process of item discovery within the new OPAC was incomplete unless accompanied by new methods that ensured that the desired item could in turn be easily found and physically accessed by clients. The need to address both the finding and getting requirements of clients is of major importance to the State Library of Tasmania which provides a state‐wide public lending system with one collection spread across 49 branches.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the development of a successful next generation OPAC is not limited to the provision of new searching functionality. Rather the success of a new OPAC is linked to its ability to provide existing clients with a seamless tool that delivers the ability to both find and get the desired item. The provision of this seamless access will require additional and significant development resources. However, the high levels of client satisfaction with the new OPAC witnessed by the State Library reinforce and validate this approach.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2018

Asma Khatun and S.M. Zabed Ahmed

The aim of this paper is to empirically examine the usability of the Koha OPAC from a user perspective.

2066

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to empirically examine the usability of the Koha OPAC from a user perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of usability tests with Koha were carried out at a private university in Bangladesh. Both experienced and novice users participated in these tests. Experienced users participated only once, whereas novices took part in three successive sessions. At first, novices’ initial performance was recorded. Then, they performed the same tasks after a short training tutorial. Novices again participated in the retention experiment with the same tasks after four weeks. A set of seven tasks was given to the users to see their performance in terms of time taken, number of errors made and success scores. Performance data were captured through a computer screen recording software, and satisfaction scores were obtained using a modified version of Questionnaire on User Interface Satisfaction (QUIS). Comparisons of performance and satisfaction with Koha OPAC were made between experienced users and novices’ initial, learning and retention experiments and amongst novices’ three test sessions.

Findings

The results showed significant performance difference between experienced and novices’ initial session. Novices could easily pick up the functionality of Koha OPAC when a brief training was provided. The comparative analysis of performance between experienced users and novices’ learning showed no significant difference between these sessions. There was a significant difference between experienced and novices’ retention in terms of success scores. The comparison amongst novices’ initial, learning and retention sessions showed significant performance differences in time taken and errors made. The QUIS results also showed significant differences in subjective satisfaction for several items between experienced users and naïve sessions, and for one item amongst novices’ three experiments.

Originality/value

This is a pioneering study of the task-based usability of Koha OPAC. The findings from this study will encourage researchers to empirically examine the usability of other open-source ILSs, which might result in improved user performance and satisfaction with these systems.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Simon Wakeling, Paul Clough, Barbara Sen and Lynn Silipigni Connaway

Moves towards more interactive services on the web have led libraries to add an increasing range of functionality to their OPACS. Given the prevalence of recommender systems on…

1556

Abstract

Purpose

Moves towards more interactive services on the web have led libraries to add an increasing range of functionality to their OPACS. Given the prevalence of recommender systems on the wider web, especially in e‐commerce environments, this paper aims to review current research in this area that is of particular relevance to the library community. It attempts to gauge the uptake of recommender systems in exiting OPAC services, and identify issues that might be responsible for inhibiting wider uptake.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on an extensive literature review, as well as original research comparing the functionality of 211 public and 118 university library OPACs in the UK. Examining current recommender systems research, it outlines the most significant recommendation models and reviews research in two key areas of recommender systems design: data acquisition, and the explanation of recommendations. It discusses three existing library recommendation systems: BibTip, LibraryThing for Libraries and the in‐house system at the University of Huddersfield.

Findings

The authors' analysis indicates that the incorporation of recommender systems into library services is extremely low, with only 2 per cent of public libraries and 11 per cent of university libraries in the UK offering the feature. While system limitations and budget constraints are perhaps partly to blame, it is suggested that library professionals have perhaps yet to be persuaded that the value of recommendations to library users is great enough to warrant their inclusion becoming a priority.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first study of UK library OPACs to focus on the prevalence of recommender systems.

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2011

Margam Madhusudhan and Shalini Aggarwal

The purpose of the paper is to examine the various features and components of web‐based online public access catalogues (OPACs) of IIT libraries in India with the help of a…

2061

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the various features and components of web‐based online public access catalogues (OPACs) of IIT libraries in India with the help of a specially designed evaluation checklist.

Design/methodology/approach

The various features of the web‐based OPACs in six IIT libraries (IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Roorkee) are evaluated. The evaluation approach taken was similar to that of Luong and Liew with minor modifications, comprising 122 dichotomous questions with 174 features and categorized as 11 broad categories.

Findings

The study explored different features of web‐based OPACs, of which page layout received the highest average scores with 93.33 percent, followed by the general features category with 90 percent. In contrast, session filters was the weakest category with only 40.47 percent. The results indicated that some web‐based OPACs reached the maximum scores for some categories. The results also indicated that VTLS‐based and LibSys‐based OPACs had the higher score on average (74.7 percent) and the iitKlas‐based OPAC of IITK received the lowest score of 44.2 percent. None were rated excellent. Only 50 percent of the web‐based OPACs studied achieved an above average ranking, of which Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) had the highest total score (131), and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) had the lowest total score (77). Almost all of the web OPACs studied lacked federated search, adjunct thesaurus help and spell check facilities, which seems to raise many questions regarding the facilities provided in the OPAC 2.0 environment of today and hence needs to be addressed as a priority in the subsequent generations of the web‐based OPACs and their development.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the libraries at the IITs will attend to the lacunae and soon develop fully functional web‐based OPACs with Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies.

Originality/value

The findings of the study will not only guide study librarians and other newly established institutions but also ILMS vendors, so that they can overcome the limitations faced by users and improve their products as OPAC 2.0. This will also help the in‐house web‐based OPACs of IIT Kanpur and IIT Roorkee to compete with other reputed ILMS‐based OPACs.

Details

Program, vol. 45 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Priscilla Caplan

This paper aims to select a few terms in common use today in the library and information science domain, and looks into their usage over time.

2159

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to select a few terms in common use today in the library and information science domain, and looks into their usage over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The use of terms is traced historically, if somewhat informally, through writings such as websites, press releases and articles.

Findings

“Discovery tool” suddenly acquired a specific meaning in 2009. “Digital preservation” and “digital curation” may never sort themselves out. “OPAC” and “ILS” are terms in disfavor as the products they refer to lose luster.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is to make readers more aware of the way they use words by reflecting on some commonly used terms in the library and information science domain.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2007

Robert Fox

The purpose of this paper is to examine the issue of the next generation OPAC, and several proposed solutions to that problem.

866

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the issue of the next generation OPAC, and several proposed solutions to that problem.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory paper. It examines several proposals for reinventing the traditional library OPAC into a more relevant, user centered system.

Findings

Libraries need to seriously re‐evaluate the relevance of the online public access catalog as it exists today. There are no one size fits all solutions given the rapidly changing information environment libraries find themselves in today.

Originality/value

This paper provides points of discussion for professional librarians and library staff to engage in as they consider to future of the OPAC. Several key members of the library technology community are cited, and may provide further information on this important topic.

Details

OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1065-075X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 766