Leveraging resources in a library gateway

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe a new use of technology to improve users' access to electronic resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes the use of guided searches in a library gateway to shorten the pathway to information for library users.

Findings

Guided search forms can be constructed for both databases and catalogs using HTML and JavaScript. They are a useful alternative to vendor‐provided search interfaces, especially for inexperienced users.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the technical issues involved in creating guided searches. It does not address usability testing and a detailed comparison of effectiveness with vendor‐provided interfaces.

Practical implications

Working with tools already in hand libraries can improve the accessibility of electronic resources by crafting simpler user interfaces.

Originality/value

The paper shows libraries how they can leverage their investment in databases and the catalog not only to make them more useful to their user communities, but to bring them more in tune with the expectations of users who have grown up with the web.

Citation

Caswell, J.V. (2006), "Leveraging resources in a library gateway", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 142-152. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510636391