It is all about the input of data. Doesn't matter the system, if you do
not keep clean and inclusive data, then patrons will not be successful
finding books.
Just because the MARC comes in with all those subject headings and note
fields doesn't mean you can't add to it the information your patrons
would be more likely to use.
Use the note and contents fields; include the terminology your patrons
would use. Make sure the character names appear in those fields, any
plot highlights that the patron will remember and try to search for.
Today we had a student wanting the mermaid book. Hmm, the Water series
by Dalkey? Nope, turned out to be Water Mirror, our notes didn't
mention anything about a mermaid; will be checking into that and getting
it added for the next patron.
I don't think I want to really have patrons able to add (messing in?)to
my data, but if somebody would invent a crawler that could run over the
top of the program where the patrons could add tags and comments, that
would be great.
Jean
R. Jean Gustafson
Selah Jr. High
Selah, WA 98942
jeangustafson@selah.k12.wa.us
http://www.selah.k12.wa.us/JHS/Gustafson/Library.cfm
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Michelle Ohnstad
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 11:22 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: OPACs
I'm glad the discussion is continuing. I think the problem is that
sometimes we can't reach all the kids. If they had options on the OPAC,
for
example, to correct their spelling, find out about similar titles they
might
enjoy reading, and have a chance to be a part of the process, they're
more
likely to continue to use it. If we have more intuitive OPACs or
searching
options available, there may be students we can reach who would normally
just give up after not finding what they're looking for.
Michelle
--
Michelle S. Ohnstad, MLIS
michelle.ohnstad@gmail.com
Library Media Specialist
Pacific Ridge School
Carlsbad, CA
Web: http://www.pacificridge.org
Head Librarian
La Jolla Country Day School
La Jolla, CA
Web: http://www.ljcds.org
Wiki: http://www.independentschoollibraries.wikispaces.com
Blog: http://indy-school-librarian.blogspot.com/
SLA-SD Chapter Bulletin and Blog Co-Editor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
* LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
* LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home