Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2004, Volume 3232/2004, 452-463, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-30230-8_41

Towards an Integrated Digital Library: Exploration of User Responses to a ‘Joined-Up’ Service

Ken Eason, Susan Harker, Ann Apps and Ross MacIntyre

View Related Documents

Abstract

Digital library users have to deal with many separate services. This paper describes efforts in the United Kingdom to use OpenURL technology to provide lsquojoined-uprsquo services. The focus is on zetoc, a national electronic service, which enables users to find references in a British Library bibliographic database. zetoc now uses OpenURL technology to provide routes to services, which might give users access to electronic full text versions of references they have found. Data is provided from two questionnaire surveys and an interview programme conducted to explore user responses to these services. These evaluation studies show that users want these integrated services and are extremely positive about them when they work. However, lsquojoined-uprsquo services depend for their success on the access rights that each user has to full text sources in their institution. As a result, the success level in obtaining full text varies considerably between institutions. Users in disadvantageous positions have expressed disappointment and frustration; the service may be regarded as a promise not fulfilled. The paper describes the development of lsquojoined-up servicesrsquo as a partnership at national and local levels.
Keywords: integrated services, electronic full text, user evaluation, usage analysis, OpenURL, resolver.

Fulltext Preview

Image of the first page of the fulltext document