Lynn Corrigan, Gordon Dunsire, Gill Hamilton and Peigi MacKillop
As well as the obvious application of access to the library's learning resources, Napier's OPAC is used to combat the problem of a three‐site university campus with no obvious…
Abstract
As well as the obvious application of access to the library's learning resources, Napier's OPAC is used to combat the problem of a three‐site university campus with no obvious social centre. This is being achieved by the availability across the network of information about clubs and societies and events; a question and answer facility aids communication amongst users as well as between users and staff. In addition a number of self‐service activities maybe performed by users of the system, including the placing and cancelling of reservations, the monitoring of personal information and the placing of advance bookings for short loan material.
Peigi MacKillop and Ben Soares
The paper looks at X‐grain, a tool developed for cross‐searching abstract and indexing (A&I) services in the JISC Information Environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper looks at X‐grain, a tool developed for cross‐searching abstract and indexing (A&I) services in the JISC Information Environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes X‐grain and its development and uses.
Findings
X‐grain utilises Athens authentication and allows the user to search resources available to them without needing to know what those resources are in advance. Web, Z39.50 and XML‐based interfaces are available. The project also developed reusable, non‐Xgrain specific learning and teaching materials on cross‐searching and other information research skills.
Originality/value
The paper is useful to those thinking about using Xgrain.