Martha M. Yee

System Design and Cataloging Meet the User: User Interfaces to Online Public Access Catalogs

Current research on user interfaces to online public access catalogs is reviewed in an attempt to identify research methods and findings applicable to the design of effective user interfaces to online public access catalogs. A broad definition of user interface is employed which includes data structures, in addition to searching and indexing software. The following features of online public access catalogs are discussed: the demonstration of relationships between records, the provision of entry vocabularies, the arrangement of multiple entries on the screen, the provision of access points, the display of single records, and the division of the catalog into separate files or indexes. For each feature user studies and other research on line public access catalogs are reviewed and those findings summarized which provide insight into user needs concerning that particular feature; issues are identified and directions for further research are suggested. Implications for cataloging codes and standards and system design are discussed.

Cataloging compared to descriptive bibliography, abstracting and indexing services, and metadata

SUMMARY Cataloging is compared to descriptive bibliography, to enumerative bibliography and abstracting and indexing services, as well as to metadata created by Web search engines or nonprofessionals at sites such as Amazon.com. These four types of metadata are compared with regard to object of the description, functions, scope, number of copies examined, collective vs. individual creation, standardization, authority control, evidence, amount of descriptive detail, degression, time span the data is intended to last, and degree of evaluation.SUMMARY Cataloging is compared to descriptive bibliography, to enumerative bibliography and abstracting and indexing services, as well as to metadata created by Web search engines or nonprofessionals at sites such as Amazon.com. These four types of metadata are compared with regard to object of the description, functions, scope, number of copies examined, collective vs. individual creation, standardization, authority control, evidence, amount of descriptive detail, degression, time span the data is intended to last, and degree of evaluation.