Library Land News: EBSCOhost, JSTOR, Overdrive, Koha
EBSCOhost and JSTOR: Interface Changes
The following are just a few of the highlights of the interface changes and/or enhancements (complete with links to find out more):
EBSCOhost 2.0
General Layout
Simple Search: Simplified search screen (patrons can display additional search options if desired such as the new “smart search”)
Collapsible panes: Collapse left and right hand panes to hide or show options (much like the way you can collapse panes in EBSCOhost’s visual search currently)
Relevancy Ranking: Improved relevancy ranking—sort results by relevancy or by date (level of relevance is graphically displayed using green squares)
Left column Features: The left-hand column enables faceted browsing through results (narrow results by source type, subject, author, or journal); this is much like is available on Worldcat.org currently.
Right column Features: The right-hand column includes limits, related articles, and related images. Limiters include the new date slider that allows quickly selecting relevant date ranges by moving the slider. Suggested related articles display beneath the limits (similar to PubMed related article feature).
Main Search Results Pane
Search History: When selected, search history displays above search results.
Preview Articles: Articles can be previewed by hovering over an icon in the results list (click on the magnifying glass/document image (this is the same idea as when you click on the binoculars image to preview search results at ask.com)).
Adding articles to Folder: Add articles to your folder directly from the preview window
Image Quick View: Results list includes thumbnails of images from the document. It will be great to know up-front whether an article has charts or an illustrations.
Customization/Saving Options Enhancements: Displays all citation methods (includes an easy copy to clipboard)
Folder: Users can now preview contents of folders from the results screen.
Useful links:
EBSCOhost 2.0 overview: includes link to an Enhancements Overview PowerPoint and an Enhancements Overview Flash Demo
JSTOR
The JSTOR sandbox lays out some information about the new interface. It says, “Individual and organizational access to JSTOR will automatically transition to the new platform. We are testing thoroughly our various access mechanisms in an effort to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible for all users, and we have already contacted those institutions that may need alternate methods.”
New features include: limit search by discipline, enhanced proximity operators in advanced drop down boxes (near5, near10, near25), search within these results, results page with multiple tabs (articles, images in JSTOR, images in ARTSTOR), article page navigation by clicking side arrows, a personalized account, and thumbnail views of article pages. Scroll to the middle of the sandbox page for a listing of the new features and for additional training resources.
JSTOR also makes available its presentations from the 2008 ALA Midwinter Meeting including: Michael Spinella’s “Welcome and JSTOR Updates” slides and audio; Beth LaPensee’s “JSTOR Redesign” slides and accompanying audio; and Javanica Curry’s presentation slides and audio about Aluka updates.
Both of the new interfaces seem to offer enhancements improving functionality and usability.
OverDrive: Compatibility Enhancements
Speaking of enhancements improving usability, OverDrive has plans to begin offering MP3 audiobooks (initially, at least 3000 books will be available in MP3 format without digital rights management (DRM)). Also forthcoming is an OverDrive console for Mac users. This is definite progress towards openness and playing nicely together on both counts, not to mention that it will benefit users!
View OverDrive’s own announcement: OverDrive to Distribute MP3 Audiobooks to Booksellers and Libraries or view the Library Journal article: OverDrive Breaks the iPod Barrier for Downloadable Audio.
Koha 3
In past iterations, Liblime’s Koha has had a lot to offer. As a full-featured open source ILS with no vendor lock in, Koha serves as a viable (and many would say desirable) alternative to high-priced vendor specific systems. Now Koha is available for download in its Beta 3 version. Visit Koha’s Koha 3.0.0 Beta Released announcement for the link to the download and to read about what’s new in 3.0.0.
Note (added April 01, 2008): Also changing is Ovid’s platform. View the flash demo or the full list of training materials for more information about OvidSP.
posted in reference, databases, technology, web 2.0, libraries | 0 Comments
No worries, this post is not an attempt to relate Kerouac to children’s literature. It’s just my way of noting that I’ve been on the road this week, so I thought that it would be apt if I mentioned a couple of travel resources related to children’s entertainment:
