Abstract:
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usability of the Electronic Library Information Navigator (ELIN), the federated search product used by the University of the Punjab (PU) and other Higher Education Commission-recognized institutions in Pakistan for the effective use of expensive electronic resources. Design/methodology/approach Two usability tests were conducted. Findings Overall, participants performed the required tasks and found ELIN to be a useful tool for searching. They did, however, have some technical limitations and faced difficulties with the choice of search options and were frustrated by the display of results. Full text availability and relevancy of subject results were mentioned as major problems. The majority of users did not complete the questions requesting suggestions for improvement of the web site. Originality/value This study provides a baseline for further user studies in higher education institutions. It is recommended that including audio might enhance search capabilities.
Abstract:
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review RefAware, a new current awareness product introduced to the University of Calgary in September 2008. Coinciding with the product's launch, a team of three librarians was established to develop expertise with RefAware and promote it within the library and across campus. Design/methodology/approach A brief overview of current awareness tools leads into a discussion of key features available in RefAware, supplemented by a detailed section guiding the user through the product. In addition to highlighting key promotional undertakings, comparisons are drawn between RefAware and Ingenta, one of the earliest current awareness services used by the University of Calgary Library. Findings Benefits of using this current awareness tool include access to current and reliable information, ability to search within multiple disciplines on a predetermined topic, the convenience of receiving alerts when new information becomes available, and direct export to RefWorks. Limitations include inability to combine search profiles into one search string, cumbersome source list creation tools, inconsistent functionality when exporting citations, and lack of clarity with regards to classification of source names. Practical implications While its capability to simultaneously search through many new electronic publications makes it a multi-disciplinary electronic journal, RefAware should be viewed as a complement to other research tools, not as a replacement. Originality/value An objective review of this new current awareness product for librarians is provided.
Abstract:
Purpose The trends in library systems today is to utilize Web resources and services that the library does not own to provide services and useful innovations for library users. This paper aims to explore the two concepts behind this new trend. Explored will be the concept of cloud computing and Web collaboration, the ideas that are revolutionizing library automation in the 21st century. Design/methodology/approach The paper focuses on the two ideas driving library automation innovations, Web collaboration enabled by cloud computing. Findings Cloud computing facilitates external collaboration, which in turn causes libraries to provide innovative Web services for users. Originality/value The paper showcases how library managers can provide new useful library services for users using Web software that are not necessarily owned by the library. The author also advocates a new approach to the online public access catologue (OPAC) utilizing the new library automation trends.