Faculty Publications

Leveraging Resources In A Library Gateway

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Information searches, Portals, User interfaces

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Library Hi Tech

Volume

24

Issue

1

First Page

142

Last Page

152

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to describe a new use of technology to improve users' access to electronic resources. Design/methodology/approach - Describes the use of guided searches in a library gateway to shorten the pathway to information for library users. Findings - Guided search forms can be constructed for both data bases and catalogs using HTML and JavaScript. They are a useful alternative to vendor-provided search interfaces, especially for inexperienced users. Research limitations/implications - This paper focuses on the technical issues involved in creating guided searches. It does not address usability testing and a detailed comparison of effectiveness with vendor-provided interfaces. Practical implications - Working with tools already in hand libraries can improve the accessibility of electronic resources by crafting simpler user interfaces. Originality/value - The paper shows libraries how they can leverage their investment in databases and the catalog not only to make them more useful to their user communities, but to bring them more in tune with the expectations of users who have grown up with the web. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Department

Rod Library

Original Publication Date

3-17-2006

DOI of published version

10.1108/07378830510636391

Link to Full Text

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