Page 132 - DLIS006_INFORMATION SOURCES AND SERVICES

Unit 6: Document Delivery Services and Online Services

Generally OPAC is accessed via Telnet. But at present, where the internet is dominating in the Notes
networking environment, OPAC is available and accessible via Internet. They are known as
WebPAC or InternetPAC. WebPAC became more simple popular and easy to handle.

OPAC to WebPAC

When remote access to the library catalogue meant a telnet connection, users had little incentive
to visit the library Web page.
As Web PACs matured to the point where the interface was reasonably functional, many libraries
phased out their dumb terminal OPACs. The library Web site then became a more logical
gateway to the catalogue and other Web-based library resources. An informative home page
introduces users to helpful information about the library, its collections, and services. This
order of access is a good opportunity to distinguish between the catalogue and other electronic
indexes and databases.
Web PAC is welcome with open arms because: the Web interface is familiar and graphics aid
navigation.
The user can click complex subject, or other, headings, less typing is good, there are no UNIX,
VMS or other weird commands, it’s easy to check periodical holdings in a new browser window
without losing search results.

6.6.13 Web PAC

It offers the libraries the opportunities to have access to various resources of other libraries
on the web.
It allows users to interact with documents stored on computers all over the world.

Makes easier to access catalogue data in the form of bibliographic records.
Sometime has the ability to search the OPACs of other libraries.

Powerful tool that links all the electronic resources for easy access.
Make the catalogue from providing information to providing access to large banks of
actual information.

It becomes another search engine.
Referred as ‘Web Cats’ and as well a type of ‘Information Gateway’.
Some require a login ID, user name and or password.

Some include information on the screens such as login ID, user name or pass word in
boxes and users can see when they access the catalogue.

Advantages

1. The users use a standard interface – the Web browser –, which the end users are well
accustomed to. So there is little need for end user training.
2. The Web’s standard functionality hyper linking text files as well as database reports or
searches are used.

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