Public Interfaces Committee
PIC Minutes
September 29, 2004
Present: Dale Askey, Katie Bauer, Debra Falvey, Julie Linden, Karen Reardon,
Earl Roy (recording), Andy Shimp, Kalee Sprague
Absent: Stephen Naron, Rick Zwies
1. Announcements
1.1. MetaLib implementation may take place within the month, first for the
Science and Medical Libraries. A question was raised concerning the prior input
of selectors concerning databases covered in the initial implementation, and
Dale explained that, for the sake of speed, a sample selection first will be
offered, subject to amendment.
1.2. Prior to this meeting, Julie, Karen and Danuta discussed the presentation
of hours on the library's site, resulting in three questions:
· In the Princeton database-driven model we've been considering, must
hours be entered date-by-date?
· Although this model shows schedules a week or a month at a time, it
doesn't show general patterns (e.g., that a library is open 8:30 am-11:00 pm,
Mon-Thu during the school year). Is this significant?
· If we're considering adopting the Princeton model next year, is it
worth the trouble to redesign the current static model?
The first issue will be investigated. In respect to the second, it was widely
agreed that the "general pattern" model for hours is what we have now,
and to retain it along with the database calendar would defeat the purpose of
the change. Seasonal changes to hours might be announced in the News section
of the library's site. As to the third question, there was consensus that the
current model be retained until the database model is either finally adopted
or rejected.
2. User assessment (Katie)
A request by PIC to staff for the top five things users should be able to find
and use effectively on the library's Web site yielded little that was unexpected:
Orbis, journal/database searching, contact info., services, etc. RSC saw information
on networked printing, privileges, and hours also to be of high priority. Usability
testing for Orbis and for the library's site generally were discussed, and the
use of SurveyMonkey for at least a part of the data collection process was endorsed.
It was reported that Danuta will approve payment for the service, but wants some
rules in place beforehand, such as those relating to survey frequency, kinds
of question, and so on. Katie offered to draft a preliminary set of rules to
get the process rolling.
The proposed assessment will include both online and face-to-face surveys,
and Dale stressed the importance of observing users in the process of executing
tasks in Orbis. Katie noted that, at first, we might gather information about
use of the entire library site, in order better to determine where the need for
improvement is greatest. Julie agreed, mentioning that a broad scope might be
more appropriate at this time, especially given the imminence of MetaLib implementation.
3. Training
It was acknowledged that classes offered by PIC have been very successful,
and various possible future offerings were discussed. Karen announced that a
position has been approved for her staff, which she plans to use in part to support
library Web developers and those who currently have no Web expertise or support.
In light of this change to the Web-support scenario, no firm decision was made
concerning PIC training pending the reorganization. Several of the trainers noted
that they are too busy during the school year to run classes, but that summer
is a good time for them. Karen's group (which offers some of the classes) is
busiest in the summer, and so can more easily offer training at other times.
Julie will distribute a summary of an earlier PIC discussion concerning how we
could use dedicated staff support for the public interface.
4. Linking to e-journals from Orbis records (guest: Matthew Beacom)
Matthew asked for PIC's reaction to and comments on MARCit!, a new product
from ExLibris that would improve connectivity between the catalog records and
full-text resources, through interrelation of the catalog with the SFX knowledge
base and enhancement of MetaLib searching and title information functions. Most
immediately noticeable, MARCit! records provide Open-URL linking via SFX, rather
than using hard-coded URLs to all subscribed sources for a title, as currently
supplied in Serials Solutions records. Matthew outlined the pros and cons of
both services, but admitted that there was no time left for careful comparison
of the two before the renewal of Serials Solutions' contract. Nevertheless, PIC
expressed interest in MARCit! and agreed with Matthew that YUL might best commit
only to one, rather than two years with Serials Solutions, in order further to
investigate the newer product and to allow ExLibris time to make some promised
improvements to it. Kalee demonstrated OpenURL in TOrbis, which would provide
a link to an SFX menu from every serial record (not just online serials, as with
MARCit!).
© 2007 Yale University Library
This file last modified 10/24/06
© 2007 Yale University Library
This file last modified 10/24/06
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