21st Century Catalogs

The assigned readings for this week, particularly the Mercun and Zumer study, were inspiring. I take for granted the OPACs I use, and don't think critically about how they are organized, the particular things I like / dislike about them, or what I would like to see added. The readings this week helped me think like an expert, analyzing the catalogs I use on a regular basis, and thinking about patron responses at my own library to our catalog.

"Toward a Twenty-First Century Library Catalog" by Antelman, Lynema, and Pace discussed browsing capabilities of online catalogs. One of the important components to the catalog is the visual representation of the book jacket, or the cover of the product. To improve the online browsing experience, I think including a visual of the product is important. I think the packaging and presentation of the products in a library (or a store) is a primary motivation in selection.

Often patrons ask for a record of all the books they have checked out, which currently we are unable to produce at my library. A feature that would keep track of title check-outs would be a terrific addition to the users' personal accounts, particularly for our voracious readers and older patrons. It would also increase the personalization that the Mercun and Zumer study showed were essential to user satisfaction. I also envisioned a roulette-like feature, where patrons can randomly call up a title that has high circulation stats, is a new publication, or has bestseller status. This would be an exploratory feature, not one based on the users previous choices or tastes. I think people would like to be introduced to something off their radar every once in a while.