The idea of the 'enhanced OPAC' which integrates some of the features found
at online bookstores is one that we've been interested in at UKOLN for a few
years. Myself and Sally Criddle wrote an article for the Library Record a
while ago which discussed how libraries could use the web to deliver reader
development services. We envisioned a catalogue that enabled you to read
reviews, contribute your opinions and effectively 'browse' the library's
stock online as crucial to the development of these kind of services.
The full text of this article 'Putting Imagination Online' is available at
http://www.la-hq.org.uk/record/r199809/litdev.htm
Sarah Ormes
Public Library Networking Focus
UKOLN, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY
Visit 'Stories from the Web' at http://www.storiesfromtheweb.org/
Tel. 01225 826711
Fax. 01225 826838
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerry Mckiernan" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 08 August 2000 21:48
Subject: Amazon.com Added Value Features and Functionalities for theOPAC
> _Amazon.com Added Value Features and Functionalities for the OPAC_
>
> In response to my posting titled "The 'Commercialized' Library"
> which addressed the issue of linking to Amazon.com (or barnesandnoble.com)
records from a user guide that I currently am preparing, a list member
raised the issue of the backlash that may come from local businesses if a
library did in fact link to such records within its OPAC.
>
> I responded to the list member indicating that I believe that there
*might* be a beneficial effect in that the additional descriptive and
evaluative information might encourage the individual to borrow the item
from the local library or to buy it from the local book store, music store,
etc.
>
> On the other hand, I think that the 'value-added' features and
functionalities found in such services as Amazon.com should cause
> libraries to consider the effectiveness of their OPACs in addressing user
needs. Access to descriptive and user reviews is just one function that
could significantly improve OPACs. Other helpful features that the
'Value-Added OPAC 'could have would be such Amazon.com 'commercialized'
features as
>
> an initial ranked list of the most heavily borrowed books,
> a chronological listing of results
> the option of displaying books by user rating
> a 'patrons who borrowed this book also borrowed ....'
feature
> a 'patrons who borrowed titles by Author A also bought
titles by
> Authors X, Y, and Z
> a 'Look for similar books by subject' / Browse for Books in
> [Full listing of associates subject headings]
> a Search for books by subject with a listings of headings
and
> associated check-off boxes
>
> Impossible? Perhaps, but ....
> [If there are OPACs that have such functionality, I'd liike to include
them in
> Onion Patch(sm), my clearinghouse devoted to New Age OPACs
> http://www.public.iastate.edu/~CYBERSTACKS/Onion.htm ]
>
> As Always, Any and All reactions, comments, criticisms, cosmic
insights, contributions, etc. etc. are Most Welcome!
>
> /Gerry McKiernan
> Commercialized Librarian
> Iowa State University
> Ames IA 50011
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> "The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Duplicate the Functionality of
> Sites Like Amazon.com"
> With Apologies (Again) to Alan
Kay
>
>
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