Summer2005Q2.Response

Summer 2005 Question 2

A. How do OPACs help people find the content?
 * Multiple access points to begin search--title, author, call number, keyword, subject

B. How might OPACs be improved?
 * Allow users to combine fragments of past searches into new search queries.
 * The OPAC should be based on the model of how novice searchers locate information rather than the way it is built now. OPACs are built now for people with advanced searching skills or that they use the OPAC with a known request before they begin the search.
 * Most users come with incomplete information when they use OPACs
 * OPACs should share commonalities across libraries so users would know what to expect when they enter different libraries.
 * Create a personalized OPAC for users similar to Amazon.
 * Allow users to post comments in the catalog.