In so many classes I have taken within this program, it has been emphasized that it’s of the utmost importance for librarians to be able to help patrons find the information they are looking for. After reading “Toward a Twenty-First Century Library Catalog” by Kristen Antelman, Emily Lynema and Andrew K. Pace, it occurred to me that another hurdle for patrons to be faced with is the limits of the online catalog that the library is using. My previous knowledge of how an online catalog actually formulates its list of titles based on a patron’s search was somewhat limited. Thinking about it now, I guess I assumed that the list was generated based on the subject field of the record. It’s interesting to see how people are trying to advance the searching capabilities of the technology to take into account other fields within the cataloging record—for example, the call number AND the subject headings. I also think it’s interesting that the Endeca catalog reports one of its most popular features is the “more titles like this” feature. This could possibly be popular because patrons might be familiar with this kind of feature which seems to be similar to Amazon’s “People who bought this item also bought” feature. This could also help patrons “browse” the catalog by bringing them options that might not show up in their initial search.
One thing that was brought to my attention in the article “New generation of catalogues for the new generation of users: a comparison of six library catalogues” by Tanja Merflun and Maja Zumer was how Hennepin County Library offers audio reviews of the books in their catalog. I think this is a neat feature, for if a patron wanted to know a little more about the book than the brief summary that was offered, they can just click and hear what the librarian thinks. I do wonder, however, whether or not this would not be accessed frequently. If a patron doesn’t want to take the time to listen to the review but would read a review in a more timely manner, should both be offered? I also find it interesting that research shows that people want more of an Amazon-like experience when using the catalog in their library. I personally find various catalogs visually unappealing. Although this doesn’t affect the way the catalog works, there is something to be said for something that is pleasing to the eye.
You are so right Joanne, pleasing to the eye is definitely more appealing. I too look at certain catalogs with confusion.
ReplyDeleteRegarding audio reviews, not only would a patron not want to listen, but would all libraries have the sound capability and if so, would it be turned on? I think both should be offered if the library is willing to allow both options to the fullest extent.