BobCatPlus: Design and Introduction of a Z39.50 Web Catalog
- Published:
- Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
- Author(s) and Contributors:
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Author(s): Lucinda Covert-Vail
- Source(s) and Collection(s):
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Presentation(s): CAUSE Conferences (Archives)
- ParentTopics:
Abstract
BobCatPlus, the Z39.50 Web catalog for the Division of Libraries at New York University, was introduced as a pilot project in Fall 1996. Using an interface that is compatible with most Web browsers, BobCatPlus offers access to NYU Libraries' OPAC, Z39.50 compatible catalogs and databases, Internet resources cataloged in BobCat, and NYU Libraries' Web site and other Web resources. It offers users a common search screen; the ability to mark and save records for downloading, printing, or e-mail; and the opportunity to directly comment on the system. This paper focuses on the three phases of BobCatPlus: the initial design, introduction and user feedback, and the redesign implemented last summer. Issues of user interface and evaluation, graphic design, Z39.50 implementation, HTML programming, technical implementation, staff and user instruction/training, and publicity are addressed.