I did some research on visual OPACs for an article and Aquabrowser was one
of the most unique programs that I found--I personally loved it, but I like
the "visual aspects" of the online search--but I also like to build the
searches and expand the terms.
I agree that users will have to take advantage of librarian instruction in
the use of these types of browsers. After watching students "play around"
with Ebsco's Grokker search, I realized that many did not see how the
information being displayed to them could be used more effectively. They
were amazed at the visual display and spent more time playing with the items
on the screen than actually utilizing the program effectively (and this was
a class of seniors).
I can see users of Aquabrowser spending more time with the visual screen
"spidering" than learning how to make use of the system...but then, I still
find database users not taking full advantage of the features in some of the
awesome databases that I review each month for School Library Journal...and
how long have databases been around? We're still using them like we did in
the 20th century.
~Shonda
--
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media Specialist
Arlington ISD
Arlington, Texas
sbrisco@gmail.com
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