Web OPAC Evaluation List
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Core Functionality
a) ability to search by author, title, subject, keyword, ISSN/ISBN, call number, publisher information (e.g. gov. doc. number)
b) searching by both exact/browse and keyword
c) searches which support right-hand truncation and truncation features which work
d) stable database which returns consistent hits when the database has not been changed [e.g. no repeat of the kw=marine environment returning anything from zero to 400 results]
e) listing of monographs, serials, media, reserve room, and on order information
f) link to circulation files to show status of item in database
g) link to acquisitions files to indicate status of item on order
h) patron access to own record (optimally supported by link to renew own materials, [check out own materials?], launch enquiry into status problems — why is there a block?)
i) feature which supports patron placing a hold [without intervention of circulation staff?] or a recall
j) display language in Record Display screen
k) place for feedback on the system, for making recommendations on titles to acquire, and for asking a reference question
l) live links to e-text with support of patron recognition gateway which takes authorized users who supply Novanet patron account information directly into database
m) helpful FAQ and error messages which guide patrons through access restrictions, blocks to accounts, how to generate output
n) ability to mark one, a range, or all records for output; output to include print, download and email
o) ability from an online database (eg. ABI Global )to online catalogue
p) speed and robustness
q) ability to run in a consortial environment with shared records between many institutions, with differential status policies for the same item, and with more than one copy per location
r) ability to support multi-volume sets
s) ability to interact with periodicals check-in to show latest received, checkin history and summary holdings
t) ability to create the database configuration once and to have that configuration transfer without intermediation between upgrades
u) ability to distribute non-core functions [help screen message design and posting]
Fixes to Current Functionality
a) have a CLOSE button on Library Hours pages so students can easily get back to the catalogue
b) difficult to “get out” of the reserve module.
c) truncation
d) limits in Exact/Browse searches
e) results from keyword in Subject searches should retrieve subject headings, not a title list
f) marking: the re-painting of the screen when marking records greatly hinders functionality
g) sort results in Exact/Browse search
h) not all series tags are displaying (specifically 533 f)
i) French subject headings (and others) are displaying, but are not indexed
j) symbol searching (e.g. C++)
k) loan period for reserves
Wish List
a) support of citation management software [e.g. ProCite]
b) ability to create and generate reports on collection by call number ranges
c) ability for patrons to initiate document delivery requests directly from OPAC
d) single / shared interface with other databases
e) ability to generate serials lists
f) real time updates (i.e. not having to wait for delayed batch processing)
g) post-search limits