OPACS

OPACS are one technology I like to think I know a little about but I could be overconfident.
OPAC or Online Public (Patron) Access Catalog provides electronic access for users to search a library's catalog/holdings and view and manage their library account. Some OPACs are site-based and part of an organization's intranet and others are web-based. OPACs developed from the traditional file cabinet card catalog. OPACs development also stemmed from computer based information technology and the MARC II format which led to the creation of bibliographic utilities.

Today in libraries OPACS are usually the front-end of the library's ILS (intergrated library system) and serves as the public face of the library's ILS. The ILS controls circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, interlibrary loan, the OPAC and more. The core of the ILS is the MARC record and the OPAC interface translates the MARC tags into display labels that the general public can read. The OPAC allows patrons to browse any library’s catalog from any location and at any time using an Internet Browser and a computer. The OPAC is menu driven and allows the user to enter information in a field and click on a command. In some cases a log on is required in order to make requests, to reserve materials, or to view one's circulation account. Basically the OPAC will search MARC records in a system by things like author, title, keyword, ISBN/ISSN/LCCN, etc. Most OPACs offer phrase and keyword searching and some OPACs will allow users to sort and save searches. The OPAC will let a patron know whether a item is available, at what branch, and whether they can put a hold on the item.

The expected social impact of OPACs is that they will become the main method for accessing the library's collection without physically having the go to the library. OPACs will increase access as patrons with disabilities and or who are not able to get to a library are still able to browse collections and put items on hold. As more and more OPACs are linked via consortia access will also improve for users. Users can search catalogs of multiple institutions at one time and request materials through ILL and cooperative borrowing agreements. Many OPACs also provide links from the bibliographic record to websites or electronic files and in doing so users gain access to more resources and assistance in meeting their information needs. While I can cite many problems and issues with OPACs I do think what they do well they do really well and they address several aspects of information seeking behavior very well. OPACs allow users to accumulate information along the search path and view subjects related to their search. In addition, OPACs are moving toward a social catalog, Web 2.0 features and the ability to connect services from all over the Web and allow for patron interaction to give users what they want and need.



Most users approach an OPAC like a web search engine and are not aware of the classification system or subject headings.