An Improved Open Url Resolver Menu System
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This document summarizes the redesign of an OpenURL resolver menu system at Western Michigan University Libraries. The libraries investigated user needs through literature reviews and stakeholder interviews. They developed tools like persistent URLs and real-time help to meet identified needs. The redesigned menu used icons and simplified links, and was tested with stakeholders before being launched in 2007. Usage continues to be monitored and improvements made to further enhance access to library resources.
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An Improved Open Url Resolver Menu System
- 1. An Improved OpenURL Resolver Menu System . George Boston Western Michigan University, University Libraries [email_address] Deborah Mouw Western Michigan University, University Libraries. [email_address]
- 2. What OpenURL is and what it can do for library users The development of the OpenURL protocol by National Information Standards Organization and its adoption by several electronic resource providers have provided the user with the ability to seamlessly link between licensed electronic resources. This had led to the availability of commercial OpenURL resolver systems which interpret incoming requests and direct users to the "appropriate" copy of a full text resource. The same system can also be used to present of menu of options directing users to related library resources and services to assist the user in scholarly research.
- 3. Timeline WMU investigates OpenURL systems – 2003 SFX was chosen from among the options SFX also connects users to other resources and tools SFX simplifies access to full text resources from search results from abstract and indexing databases. - Also provides links to the library catalog, document delivery services, UlrichsWeb, and Google Scholar SFX installed and populated - Spring 2004 Initially no major changes made to the default menu, only color palette to complement overall design of Libraries' website Minor changes were made as more electronic resources became available. In 2007, the decision was made to do a full re-design of the SFX menu and implement tools enhancing the value of electronic resources to Western users.
- 4. For the redesign we needed to: Make a determination of user needs Develop tools to meet those needs Design, construct, test, and deploy the improved OpenURL resolver system Developed an improved SFX help system, which uses several methods for user feedback, including instant messaging.
- 5. Determination of User Needs We looked at other SFX menus for inspiration - Ferris State, University of Michigan, California State University Performed literature review: After gathering several examples we performed a literature search, using articles such as The Use and Usability of SFX: Context-Sensitive Reference Linking published in Library Hi-tech, "One stop shopping (almost): SFX at Washington State University", and the Usability Working Group studies being conducted at the University of Michigan. We were also greatly inspired by the short presentation done by David Walker from California State University entitled “Improving the SFX Menu.” Talked to stakeholders to determine their needs From that we came to several conclusions including: The use of recognized icons would more easily direct users to the appropriate resources Need for a consistent and simplified link presentation The addition of tools on the menu such as the ability to link to a Citation Management System (like Refworks) and the ability to create persistent links to specific journal articles were also valuable items. A more comprehensive and context sensitive help menu was required to fully explain to users what was being presented and where users could go for additional help. One of the innovations desired was to allow for the integration of a Meebo Instant Messaging box, allowing users to get help on the SFX menu in real time. At the same time as this project, a major revision was planned for the entire web site of the University Libraries. The overall color scheme and basic design needed to be consistent with the web site redesign project.
- 6. Develop tools to meet those needs In order to support the new design set out by our determination of user needs three major changes to the function of the SFX menu were developed during our most recent re-design. 1. SFX capabilities i. Display logic changes to reduce redundancy based on feedback from public services. This was meant to reduce the overall size of the SFX menu and to better highlight other services ii. Changed display logic to show ILL at all times - at request of ILL, to improve the ILL requests coming from users 2. Persistent URL creator i. Displays copy-pasteable persistent URLs for users to put in their course management systems, online syllabi or other webpages. 3. Help page i. acts as landing page for all SFX related questions ii. includes general explanation of parts of the SFX menu, links to Ask-a-librarian feature, the “help me connect” page, and a Meebo IM box to answer questions in real time
- 7. The display logic used to control what services show on the SFX menu
- 8. The SFX persistent link creator tool
- 9. The new SFX help page
- 10. Design, construct, and deploy After the development of these three key enhancements, it was time to put the pieces together. Some features of the new design i. Use of recognized icons to direct users to various resources ii. Consistent, Simplified link presentation iii. New design was developed to integrate with new look and feel of the homepage Developed an initial prototype on test instance d. Presented the prototype to key stakeholders, got feedback, implemented changes e. After changes were made based on feedback from faculty, staff and students in the library, the new design went “live” in the Fall of 2007
- 11. The SFX menu before the changes
- 12. The SFX menu after the changes
- 13. Going forward We continue to monitor usage statistics and stay in contact with our users, to gauge the effectiveness of the new menu design Most recent improvements - AJAX auto-complete and enhanced support of related titles Also currently working on integrating our print and microform serial holdings into SFX to provide "one-stop shopping" for journals SFX menu will always be a "work in progress"
- 14. Conclusion Thank you for your attention ASK FOR QUESTIONS