CDLINFO Newsletter, January 12, 2006, Vol. 9, No. 1
CONTENTS
- New Interface for ABC-Clio Databases
- Melvyl Software Upgrade
- Wonder about CDL Projects and Services? Check out these Fliers!
- For More Information
- News and Publications
- Contacts for Questions or Problems
- About CDLINFO
1. New Interface for ABC-Clio Databases
By Ellen Broidy (UCLA), Resource Liaison
After a month of beta testing, ABC-Clio unveiled a new search interface for America: History and Life and Historical Abstracts on January 2, 2006. While users continue to have the option of doing a basic or an advanced search, the opening screens have a markedly different look and feel and allow for enhanced searching across the databases.
Highlights of the new interface include:
- A combined simple and advanced search screen that allows the user to control the display of search fields and search results.
- New pop-up help tips to assist in constructing successful searches.
- New retrospective coverage from JSTOR journals dating from 1838-2005, resulting in an increase of nearly 78% in full-text links by project’s end.
- New search history functionality that records search criteria, allowing users to rerun previous searches.
- New expand and collapse record functionality that streamlines the process of viewing results by displaying and hiding abstracts at the click of a mouse.
Other useful enhancements:
- A new Export to Citation Manager feature that will allow the user to save results directly to EndNote, ProCite, or Reference Manager (RefWorks will remain an export option).
- New setup functionality for non-OpenURL resolvers, permitting linking to non-OpenURL catalogs.
- A User’s Forum that will provide technical and database content support and a place for discussions related to the databases.
- Full-text links to over 330,000 sources, including ProQuest’s Dissertations and Theses Database.
In general, the changes add value to the databases, particularly in terms of enhanced access. The new design, however, may require a period of adjustment for frequent users (and librarians). The box format, while separating out the possible elements of a search argument, makes the screen appear busy and crowded and it’s less than immediately apparent how to back out of some of the features. There are a number of bells and whistles such as lengthy author, subject and journal indexes but no apparent way to drop into a particular part of the alphabet with the exception of the journal list; however that requires accessing it from the very top of the initial search screen rather than from the search box feature. On balance, these are relatively minor shortcomings. Librarians and users should appreciate the changes to these important databases.
2. Melvyl Software Upgrade
The CDL has begun moving the Melvyl Catalog to version 16.02 of Ex Libris' Aleph 500 software (the Melvyl Catalog is currently on version 15.3.). Previously, we anticipated that the upgrade would be complete by the end of 2005. The timeline has been updated; the move is now expected to be complete by the end of 2006. All enhancements to the Melvyl Catalog are on hold until after the update completion.
The CDL spent unanticipated time working with the catalog vendor, Ex Libris, to address a problem in the speed of loading the campus updates. The importance of focusing on this issue overshadowed the move to the next version of the software. With two major fixes brought in, record loading has improved 40 percent since last summer (2005), when loading was at its slowest.
In moving to version 16.02, CDL technical staff are spending time behind the scenes planning; installing copies of the software in multiple environments (development, staging, production); converting the user interface; reindexing the catalog; and running quality assurance tests. These operations combined take months to accomplish. With a database as large and as complex as the Melvyl Catalog, reindexing alone takes six to eight weeks.
The CDL will keep you informed as we make this transition.
3. Wonder about CDL Projects and Services? Check out these Fliers!
Want a quick overview of CDL's programs, projects and services? The CDL has recently updated its existing set and added two new fliers to the originals. They are available for downloading and printing from the CDL Instructional Materials page on the Inside CDL web site under "CDL" at http://www.cdlib.org/inside/instruct.
- CDL Overview
- American West Project
- Counting California
- Digital Preservation
- eScholarship Repository
- eScholarship Editions
- Extensible Text framework (New!)
- Interface Customization Tools
- Melvyl Catalog
- Melvyl Recommender Project (New!)
- Metasearch Infrastructure Project
- Online Archive of California
- Request
- Shared Cataloging Program
- UC-eLinks
- UC Image Service
4. For More Information
a. News and Publications
News and events, press releases, reports and guidelines, and articles published by CDL staff are posted on the CDL web site. Please share news of this resource with your colleagues!
In addition, status information about CDL resources, reports, and working documents of particular interest to library staff are available on the Inside CDL web site.
b. Contacts for Questions or Problems
If you have problems accessing CDL resources or have questions, including questions about the status of electronic journal collections and Internet resources, contact the CDL:- For immediate assistance, call the CDL Helpline at 510-987-0555. Callers with TDD equipment, please call 1-800-735-2929 in California for the telephone relay operator.
- Or, send an email to cdl@www.cdlib.org.
For information about whether your UC campus has access to a particular electronic journal or Internet resource, contact your local collection development officer.
c. About CDLINFO
CDLINFO informs UC librarians and the UC community about the progress of the CDL, policy issues under discussion, and newly available electronic resources. Please share selected information from this newsletter with faculty, staff, and students on the campuses.
Eligible subscribers: UC library employees
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Frequency of publication: Biweekly, or as new information warrants. CDLINFO is also published on the Inside CDL news and events page.
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