Library Online Public Access Catalog Research Articles

Knowledge Organization Approach in Online Public Access Catalogues (OPAC) for Search and Navigation

Effective organization, discovery, and retrieval of resources have always been essential functions for any library. Libraries have implemented various new information systems along with traditional library systems such as federated search, webscale discovery, next-generation catalogue, etc. Faceted navigation, known as faceted search, faceted browsing, or guided navigation, has been applied in many e-commerce sites and dominates features in the interaction paradigm. Faceted approach to knowledge organization in searching and navigation features in the online catalogue supports users in finding the information needed in the most effective and efficient manner. This paper discusses faceted searching and navigation application in library Online Public Access Catalogues (OPAC).

OPAC functionality: Russian and foreign users’ requirements

The article considers the results of studying the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) functionality, revealed by specialists of domestic and foreign libraries. The user survey results showed that OPAC of foreign libraries provides a more developed search system than the OPAC of domestic libraries. While a foreign user is able to interact with a catalogue in a natural language, domestic library OPAC operate mostly in a query-response mode. The problems were revealed which the user encounters during information search, connected with information perception, granting incomplete information on library collections, and absence of stability in work of servers. Often, there is no tooltip system. Users cannot understand the content of classification indices. It is difficult to find information about the library and access to OPAC on university websites, as this information is not always easily accessible. On the other hand, there is often a low level of user information culture. Most of them do not have the skills to write search queries and use logical operators. Maintaining OPAC in different automated library and information systems (ALIS), involving different options for combining, shortening, clarification of terms in information search, exacerbates these problems. After all, even advanced users may get incomplete search results assuming that library ALIS works similarly to other systems they are familiar with. It negatively affects the OPAC use efficiency. Ways of solving the revealed problems are suggested. Conducting regular training activities for OPAC users, development and improvement of tooltip system, ensuring integrated search in all library databases, providing information on classification information retrieval languages, conducting retrospective conversion of card catalogues, ensuring completeness and accuracy of provided bibliographic data, conducting systematic research to identify user requirements for the functionality of the electronic part of the reference and search apparatus will facilitate the process of searching and obtaining data about library information resources, improve the quality of OPAC information.

Predicting Academic Digital Library OPAC Users' Cross-device Transitions

With more and more users using different devices, such as personal computers, iPads, and smartphones, they can access OPAC (online public access catalog) services and other digital library services in different contexts. This leads to the phenomenon that user's behavior can be transferred to different devices, which leads to the richness and diversity of user's behavior data in digital libraries. A large number of user data challenge digital libraries to analyze user's behavior, such as search preferences and borrowing habits. In this study, we study the user's cross-device transition behavior when using OPAC. Based on the large-scale OPAC transaction log, the online activities between device transitions in the process of using OPAC are studied. In order to predict the follow-up activities that users may take, and the next device that users may use, we detect features from several perspectives and analyze the feature importance. We find that the activity and time interval on the first device are more important for predicting the user's next activity and the next device. In addition, features of operating system help to better predict the next device. The next device used is more likely to predict the next activity after the device transition. This study examines the cross-device transition prediction in library OPAC, which can help libraries provide smart services for users when accessing OPAC on different devices.

Comparative Study of OPAC, Web-OPAC and AIRPAC: Next Generation of Online Library Catalogues

The Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) changed the traditional card cataloguing trends in libraries. In the latest trend, library cataloguing information can be entered into the library integrated software and then the essential library information can be searched directly by OPAC system in the standard format. Nowadays, user can search for information on web via WEBOPAC and most recently, search in palm devices through AIRPAC anytime (24x7), during the day-night and from anywhere in the world. This study describes current trends, as well as the possibilities of the future library online public access catalogue and illuminated comparative study i.e. features, advantages, capabilities, requirement, development, limitation and many other things between OPAC, Web OPAC and Airpac library catalogues.

Impact of device on search pattern transitions

PurposeThis paper discusses the differences in search pattern transitions for mobile phone, tablet and desktop devices by mining the transaction log data of a library online public access catalogue (OPAC). We aimed to analyze the impacts of different devices on user search behavior and provide constructive suggestions for the development of library OPACs on different devices.Design/methodology/approachBased on transaction logs which are 9 GB in size and contain 16,140,509 records of a university library OPAC, statistics and clustering were used to analyze the differences in search pattern transitions on different devices in terms of two aspects: search field transition patterns and query reformulation patterns.FindingsSearch field transition patterns are influenced by the input function and user interfaces of different devices. As reformulation times increase, the differences between query reformulation patterns among different devices decrease.Practical implicationsMobile-side libraries need to optimize user interfaces, for example by setting web page labels and improving input capabilities. Desk-side libraries can add more suggestive content on the interface.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies, which have analyzed web search, this paper focuses on library OPAC search. The search function of mobile phones, tablets and desktops were found to be asymptotic, which was a good illustration of how devices have a large impact on user search behavior.

A clickstream data analysis of Chinese academic library OPAC users' information behavior

Chinese academic libraries have been devoting great effort into introducing next-generation online public access catalogs (OPACs) in order to provide a better user experience. However, there is a lack of empirical research on their usage. In this study, a transaction log file from a typical next-generation OPAC, the Wuhan University Library OPAC, formed the basis for an investigation of users' information behavior, using a clickstream data analysis framework. The 26,732,368 clickstream records in the original log file were cleaned, parsed, coded, then analyzed at the footprint, movement, and pathway levels. The results showed that the users relied heavily on the single-box simple search interface, seldom involved themselves in an exploratory search process, and preferred page navigation over search refinement when interacting with search results. The OPAC was used as a lookup tool to locate known academic resources and as a personal information management tool to utilize basic library services, instead of as a discovery tool as intended.

Requirements of Net Generation towards university libraries in Sri Lanka

At present academic libraries have a trend to introduce innovative services in par with developing technologies as well as the different aspirations of Net Generation. This study aims to explore the characteristics of Net Generation, their help seeking preferences, information behaviours and their needs and wants towards university library. A survey of freshmen was conducted in 2011 at University of Jaffna, Eastern University and South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were carried out. The study found that majority of respondents use internet but they rarely use library web pages and Online Public Access catalogue (OPAC). They have a tendency to move to e-resources and they prefer multimedia information than textual information. They are comfortable in asking help from librarian directly (in- person communication) whilst some of them wish to communicate via e-mail, face book and instant messaging. It recommends that librarians can help students via help-desk, instant messaging, e-mail, chat or ask a librarian services from the library websites. Libraries should initiate action to collect more electronic resources. Information literacy should be included as a course unit. Journal of the University Librarians Association, Sri Lanka, Vol. 16, Issue 2, July 2012, Page 101-116 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jula.v16i2.5202

Free U.S. Government Databases for Non-Depository Libraries

Free federal government databases are an untapped resource of which many libraries do not take advantage. Many of the databases are cataloged and can be added to a library Online Public Access Catalog; other databases have persistent URLs that can be linked from LibGuides or other online subject finding aids. The desirability and potential drawbacks of adding these resources to the catalog are discussed. Before referring library users to the databases, evaluative criteria must be applied to ensure stability, authority, currency, and ease of search. A select list of federal agency databases that meet the criteria is offered.

Tags in the Catalogue: Insights From a Usability Study of LibraryThing for Libraries

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), the standard subject language used in library catalogues, are often criticized for their lack of currency, biased language, and atypical syndetic structure. Conversely, folksonomies (or tags), which rely on the natural language of their users, offer a flexibility often lacking in controlled vocabularies and may offer a means of augmenting more rigid controlled vocabularies such as LCSH. Content analysis studies have demonstrated the potential for folksonomies to be used as a means of enhancing subject access to materials, and libraries are beginning to integrate tagging systems into their catalogues. This study examines the utility of tags as a means of enhancing subject access to materials in library online public access catalogues (OPACs) through usability testing with the LibraryThing for Libraries catalogue enhancements. Findings indicate that while they cannot replace LCSH, tags do show promise for aiding information seeking in OPACs. In the context of information systems design, the study revealed that while folksonomies have the potential to enhance subject access to materials, that potential is severely limited by the current inability of catalogue interfaces to support tag-based searches alongside standard catalogue searches.

Metadata and providing access to e‐books

AbstractIn the very near future, students are likely to expect their universities to provide seamless access to e‐books through online library catalogues and virtual learning environments. A paradigm change in terms of the format of books, and especially textbooks, which could have far‐reaching impact, is on the horizon. Based on interviews with a number of key informants across several universities in the UK, this paper identifies a number of challenges associated with the creation of the essential metadata to support smooth access to e‐books within universities. These challenges arise both from internal acquisition and cataloguing processes within libraries, and from the nature and quality of vendor's e‐book metadata, and variously impact on the location of and access to e‐books. Access is further hindered by authentication controls, digital rights controls and missing links. e‐Book vendors and publishers, librarians and educational technologists need to work together to resolve these issues. In addition, there is scope for further research into the issues associated with providing access to e‐books.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic e‐Books are an important and growing category of digital resource that are becoming central to learning and education. Users expect easy and convenient location of and access to e‐books. What this paper adds Summarises issues associated with the selection of e‐books for inclusion in academic library Online Public Access Catalogues and learning platforms. Explores the challenges associated with the creation of metadata for e‐books, which arise both from internal acquisition and cataloguing processes within libraries, and from the nature and quality of vendor's e‐book metadata. Reports on the challenges that users experience in locating an e‐book as a result of authentication controls, digital rights controls and missing links. Implications for practice and/or policy Provision of access to e‐books for learning in universities is at an early stage, so it is important to listen to users and commit to continuous improvement. Anticipating considerable growth in the use of e‐books in learning, metadata and access issues, issues which currently appear to be in the realm of academic librarians are likely to impact significantly on access to e‐books through virtual learning environments. While, some current problems can be easily resolved, others are embedded in the approaches adopted by libraries and vendors, and collaboration towards paradigm change is necessary. Further research should be conducted into the issues associated with metadata, cataloguing processes,and, in general, providing access to e‐books.

The Homegrown Mobile Catalog: A Quick, Inexpensive Approach to Expanding Access

A combination of cascading style sheets, hypertext markup language, and JavaScript can be used to create interfaces that work for both full-screen and mobile/small-screen devices. This approach can be applied to a library's online public-access catalog to create a mobile-friendly interface that retains the features of the full online public-access catalog. In this article the author documents the design and implementation process, including some specific coding examples, to improve access to the library catalog.

Faceted navigation and browsing features in new OPACs: A more robust solution to problems of information seekers?

In November, 2005, James Billington, the Librarian of Congress, proposed the creation of a “World Digital Library” of manuscripts and multimedia materials in order to “bring together online, rare and unique cultural materials.” Google became the first private sector partner for this project with a pledge of 3 million dollars (http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2005/05- 250.html). One month later, the Bibliographic Services Task Force of the University of California Libraries released a report: Rethinking how we provide bibliographic services for the University of California. (Bibliographic Services Task Force, 2005). Key proposals included the necessity of enhancing search and retrieval, redesigning the library catalog or OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog), encouraging the adoption of new cataloguing practices, and supporting continuous improvements to digital access. By mid-January, 2006, the tenor of discussion reached fever pitch. On January 12, 2006, the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Library announced the deployment of a revolutionary implementation for their OPAC of Endeca’s ProFind™, which until now had only been used in commercial e-commerce or other business applications. NCSU made the bold claim that “the speed and flexibility of popular online search engines” had now entered the world of the online catalog through the use of faceted navigation and browsing (NCSU, online).

Knowing Where They Went: Six Years of Online Access Statistics via the Online Catalog for Federal Government Information

As federal government information is increasingly migrating to online formats, libraries are providing links to this content via URLs or persistent URLs (PURLs) in their online public access catalogs (OPACs). Clickthrough statistics that accumulated as users visited links to online content in the University of Denver’s library OPAC were gathered over a six-year period and were analyzed. Among the conclusions were that DU users prefer online content over print for both newer and older documents and that there is great benefit in adding URLs above and beyond the URLs supplied by GPO cataloging.

A multimedia‐based library orientation programme at Dyal Singh College Library, New Delhi

PurposeThis paper is an outcome of the study made for designing the multimedia‐based orientation programme of the Dyal Singh College Library (DSCL), New Delhi, India. The purpose of this paper is to enlighten the new students and to create insight into the operations of the DSCL.Design/methodology/approachMacromedia Flash software is used in designing and developing the multimedia‐based library orientation programme of the DSCL. In this study, the quality and usefulness of the information provided is evaluated through feedback. The structure of the programme is divided into 227 snapshots lasting for 20 min. A survey was conducted using structured feedback comprising of five questions.FindingsRegarding the implementation of multimedia‐based library orientation programme and the responses received from the respondents regarding usefulness of information presented in the programme, except “library online public access catalogue & internet browsing”, all other features are found to be either excellent or very good. The quality features, such as, easy to understand (76.44 per cent), programme content (60.23 per cent), programme graphics, sound and special effects (46.76 per cent) are rated as excellent; and the length of the programme (72.28 per cent) and comprehensiveness (51.74 per cent) are rated as good. The overall evaluation of the programme is rated as very good (62.55 per cent).Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is not conceived to replace live college library tours, but rather to supplement them. In its present non‐linear form, the programme allows the user to start at the beginning and run through to the end. However, users cannot interact with the video but they can stop, forward and backward the programme.Practical implicationsHighly useful for new students who face the constraints of inconvenient timings and format; reduces the burden of the library staff of imparting physical library orientation and improves the library image in this age of information; and helps the user in overcoming the geographical and language barriers.Originality/valueThe paper provides the advantages of multimedia‐based library orientation in college libraries. The multimedia‐based library orientation programme has been developed as an effective means of conveyance and makes information handy and accessible on the college site as “virtual tour”. The entire programme can be viewed at and develops creativity among college librarians in designing such programmes.

The evaluation of New Zealand academic library OPACs: a checklist approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the usability features of online public access catalogues (OPACs) in New Zealand academic libraries. It also makes a comparison of how libraries using the same library software are customizing their interfaces to make them useful to their users.

Creating a virtual union catalog for Hong Kong dissertations and theses collections

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to discuss and analyze the efforts of Hong Kong Baptist University Library to create a virtual union catalog for dissertations and theses collections as a single search platform to retrieve the bibliographic records, abstracts and full‐texts of Hong Kong postgraduate students’ theses and dissertations from seven university library online public access catalogues (OPACs).Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the use of advanced keyword searching functionality in Innovative Interfaces’ Millennium system and Microsoft active server pages scripts to develop an original search engine to cross search the OPACs of Hong Kong university libraries.Findings – Library searching is more than simply doing a Google search. Libraries do not need to depend on vendors of their library integration systems exclusively for enhancement in OPAC search functionality. Librarians can also take the initiative to maximize the searching capabilities and functionalities of their existing l...

Local touch and global reach

PurposeTechnology changes swiftly and the traditional library online public access catalog (OPAC) is in danger of becoming irrelevant as more users rely on network‐level search engines such as Google and Google Scholar to search for information resources. This paper seeks to explore the next‐generation discovery and delivery solutions that are designed to adapt to changing user expectations in the Web 2.0 environment. It aims to examine the current trends in which libraries are partnering with vendors to promote their value‐added services to library users, and are making their collections more visible in a global digital landscape.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with an overview of current library catalogs and then introduces some emerging products focusing on discovery and delivery that affect the value of libraries as they present their collections and provide services to a new generation of library users. Case studies are presented to illustrate trendy features of next‐generation catalogs as well as the challenges that the new tools bring to libraries as they work toward providing users with richer discovery experiences and greater delivery of content beyond local collections.FindingsThe paper identifies major problems with libraries' existing OPACs as well as challenges of implanting new discovery tools to meet the demands of today's network users.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that libraries must become more responsive and adaptable to remain sustainable, relevant, and competitive in the new environment.Originality/valueThe paper presents an up‐to‐date account of the state of next‐generation library catalogs used in American libraries.

Measuring Law Library Catalog Web Site Usability: A Web Analytic Approach

ABSTRACT Although there is a proliferation of information available on the Web, and law professors, students, and other users have a variety of channels to locate information and complete their research activities, the law library catalog still remains an important source for offering users access to information that has been evaluated and cataloged by experts. The usability of the catalog needs to be effectively measured before any necessary improvements can be made. This study was undertaken to investigate the information retrieval patterns of users of the Rutgers Law Library Online Public Access Catalog and to develop the catalog into a more effective search tool for these users. This study used an experimental approach to measure the usability of our catalog by analyzing the transaction logs from the OPAC system and the results from Google Analytics. The findings provided not only important information on user demographics and their computer systems, but also more insight on the search behaviors of users. The specific findings included the following: 1. As a Web-analytic tool Google Analytics provided extensive information on the OPAC and the navigational behaviors of users. 2. Fifty-eight percent of our users visited the Web site regularly. 3. The most popular search method, which was employed by 37% of our users, was by title. 4. Most patrons used computer systems with a high resolution and color depth monitor and visited the catalog Web site with a high-speed Internet connection. 5. Suggestions were made by the authors to improve the users’ search experience of the catalog Web site. This study is significant to libraries with Web catalogs because it demonstrates the potential value of using Google Analytics as a Web analytics tool in combination with the OPAC transaction logs to measure catalog usability.

Revitalizing the Library OPAC: Interface, Searching, and Display Challenges

The behavior of academic library users has drastically changed in recent years. Internet search engines have become the preferred tool over the library online public access catalog (OPAC) for finding information. Libraries are losing ground to online search engines. In this paper, two aspects of OPAC use are studied: (1) the current OPAC interface and searching capabilities, and (2) the OPAC bibliographic display. The purpose of the study is to find answers to the following questions: Why is the current OPAC ineffective? What can libraries and librarians do to deliver an OPAC that is as good as search engines to better serve our users? Revitalizing the library OPAC is one of the pressing issues that has to be accomplished.

What is a library OPAC?

PurposeThis paper aims to look at online public access catalogues (OPAC) operations in the light of the philosophy of information, communication theory and semiotics, and to revisit fundamental questions about the nature of library OPACs and the ways in which they function.Design/methodology/approachThis exercise is pursued through examination of the multiple tensions implicit in any cataloguing or indexing system: the competing requirements of organisation and retrieval, description and classification.FindingsThe paper finds that for an OPAC to be practicably usable the potential complexity of the information it contains must be reduced to a manageable level of simplicity. OPACs purport to allow complete retrieval, even though data structures and index definitions are not transparent. They necessarily impose a framework of retrieval that conceals information at the same time as it presents it, and therefore to an extent they undermine the very concept of information literacy. In an online environment catalogues have been able easily to move beyond the scope of individual library collections and to incorporate an increasing range of non‐traditional types of information, thus introducing further tensions between their roles as indexes and as information sources in their own right.Originality/valueThe multiple tensions involved can be conceptualised in terms of indeterminacy of the communication code and indeterminacy of the linguistic sign. A clear theoretically‐based understanding of these issues is essential to ensuring optimal OPAC design.