Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs): Expectations and Suggestions

Document Type : Research ŮŽ Article

Authors

1 Instructor in Library and Information Science, Payame Noor University of Jahrom, Jahrom, I.R. Iran

2 Associate Professor of Library and Information Science, Payame Noor University of Mashhad, Mashhad, I.R. Iran

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to identify the features expected in library OPACs so that users have access to required resources without having to refer to supplementary websites.
Design/Methodology / Approach: This research used text analysis.
Findings: Despite the chronological precedence of the creation of library catalogues compared with the creation of search engines and digital bookstores, today we can see that library catalogues have dropped behind their main competitors, namely search engines. Recent studies show that online public access catalogs (OPACs) are used less than internet search engines. So some changes should be made in information services to compensate for the shortcomings of library OPACs in comparison with general search engines like Google or digital bookstores such as Amazon.
Conclusions: The main expectation of a user is maximum benefit and minimum confusion while using a library OPAC, but this expectation has not yet been properly realized. Librarians should focus on making OPACs more attractive and efficient and if using them is not easier than their competitors, at least they should be as easy as them and the role of libraries should be highlighted as custodians of information through history.

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 October 2009
  • Revise Date: 21 April 2015
  • Accept Date: 26 January 2010

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