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Developing Effective OPAC Tutorials at Cardiff University

This guide discusses the development of OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) tutorials at Cardiff University, aimed at enhancing user interaction with the library's catalog. It highlights the importance of addressing common search difficulties, such as misunderstanding search options and ineffective search results. The guide examines the types of tutorials implemented, including simple text instructions and interactive demonstrations. Key focuses include keyword searching, item reservations, and user account management. Future improvements seek to enhance tutorial visibility and interactivity while ensuring user feedback is incorporated.

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Developing Effective OPAC Tutorials at Cardiff University

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  1. Quick Guides – Developing Short OPAC Tutorials Martin Wolf 04-Sept-2003

  2. About Cardiff University • Ranked 7th out of 106 universities for research in 2001 • Circa. 15,500 students and 3,500 staff • Soon to merge with University of Wales College of Medicine

  3. OPAC Tutorials • Why have them? • What types are there? • What did we decide? • What does it cover? • Where next?

  4. Why have them? • Anecdotal evidence from library staff • Comments from academic staff • University-wide audit of library enquiries • Observational study of OPAC users

  5. OPAC searching – the main difficulties • Misunderstanding of search options • Most searches too specific or too broad • Large numbers of hits • Almost no use of limits / operators

  6. Addressing the difficulties • Implemented use of automatic limiters • Development of Quick Guides

  7. What types are there? Simple pages of text to work through • University of Regina “Multi-window” instructions • University of Auckland “Multi-frame” instructions • University of Hawaii Interactive Flash demonstrations • Bolton Institute

  8. What did we decide? • Users needed to be able to use live catalogue • Instructions and catalogue should be on screen at same time • Tutorial had to be accessible to wide range of browsers (including DOPACs)

  9. What did we use? • Frames-based • Instructions and navigation to left; screenshots and catalogue to right • Static screenshots – benefits of animation not worth extra problems Cardiff University Voyager Guide

  10. What did we cover? Emphasis on basics • Keyword searching as primary tool • Understanding location screens • Reserving items • Checking accounts

  11. The process • Project group brought together relevant staff • Implementation delayed by need for Welsh language version • Ready to be used during 2003/4 induction sessions

  12. Where next? • Need to keep pace with OPAC upgrades • Make tutorial more visible – e.g. links from other pages, more promotion • Consider ways of increasing interactivity • Consider ways of obtaining user feedback

  13. Quick Guides – Developing Short OPAC Tutorials Martin Wolf 04-Sept-2003

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