OPACs in Twelve Canadian Academic Libraries: An Evaluation of Functional Capabilities and Interface Features

Joan M. Cherry, Nancy J. Williamson, Carol R. Jones Simmons, and Xin Gu
Information Technology and Libraries, Vol. 13, No. 3, September 1994, p. 174-195

OPACs (online public access catalogs) in twelve Canadian academic libraries were evaluated using a checklist. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluation of functional capabilities and interface features which have been suggested in the literature by researchers. The findings of the study suggest that, among the ten areas evaluated, "Screen Display" is the best develop area, whereas "Subject Search Aids" is the weakest. Possible directions for the future development of OPACs are identified and areas for future OPAC research are suggested.

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