B.

Sc IN INFORMATION SCIENCE
BIS 2312: Organization of Internet Resources

Group 3

Members:

Names Reg No
1. Antony Kimanzi HDC215-0777/2021
2. Kelly Indeche HDC215-0810/2021
3. Willy Njuguna HDC215-0807/2021
4. Carol Kemunto HDC215-0906/2021

Assignment: Define OPAC, interoperability of OPAC across the

databases, how to handle the content on OPAC and its strengths and
limitations.

OPAC stands for Online Public Access Catalog. It is an online database or system that
allows users to search and access the holdings of a library or library network. OPACs
provide a user-friendly interface where individuals can search for books, periodicals,
audiovisual materials, and other resources available in the library's collection.
OPACs serve as virtual catalogs, replacing traditional card catalogs found in libraries.
They provide users with a convenient way to discover and access materials without
physically browsing through shelves. OPACs typically offer various search options,
including keyword searches, title searches, author searches, subject searches, and
more.
When using an OPAC, users can find information about the availability, location, and
status of specific items. They can also retrieve additional details about the resources,
such as publication information, summaries, tables of contents, and sometimes even
book covers or reviews. In addition to searching, OPACs may allow users to place
holds or requests for items, renew loans, and manage their library accounts.
OPACs have become an essential tool for libraries to provide access to their
collections in a digital format. They enhance the user experience, improve search
efficiency, and enable remote access to library resources. OPACs have evolved over
time, incorporating advanced search capabilities, integration with other library
systems, and features like personalized recommendations or social interaction.

The interoperability of OPAC across databases refers to the ability of different OPAC
systems to communicate and exchange data with each other. It involves establishing
standards and protocols to ensure that OPACs from different libraries or library
networks can work together seamlessly.
Interoperability is important because it allows users to search and access materials
across multiple OPACs, increasing the discoverability and accessibility of library
resources. It enables users to benefit from a broader pool of resources and facilitates
resource sharing among libraries.
There are several aspects to consider in achieving interoperability of OPAC across
databases:

1) Standardized Formats: Libraries need to adopt standardized formats for

representing bibliographic records and other metadata. The most widely used
format for bibliographic records is MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging), but newer
formats like BIBFRAME (Bibliographic Framework) are being developed to support
semantic web technologies.

2) Data Exchange Protocols: Libraries need to establish protocols for exchanging

data between OPAC systems. Commonly used protocols include Z39.50, SRU
(Search/Retrieve via URL), and OAI-PMH (Open Archives Initiative Protocol for
Metadata Harvesting).

3) Authority Control: Libraries need to maintain consistent authority control for

names, subjects, and other controlled vocabulary terms. This ensures that records
from different OPACs can be accurately linked and integrated.

4) Crosswalks and Mapping: Libraries may need to create crosswalks or mapping

tables to facilitate the conversion of data between different formats or systems. This
allows for data to be transferred and understood across different OPACs.

5) System Integration: Libraries may need to integrate their OPACs with other
library systems, such as integrated library systems (ILS), resource sharing platforms,
or discovery layers. This integration enables seamless access to resources across
different library systems.

6) Collaboration and Consortia: Libraries can collaborate and form consortia to

share resources, infrastructure, and expertise. This collaboration helps in achieving a
higher level of interoperability across libraries within the consortium.

By addressing these aspects and implementing standards and protocols, libraries can
enhance the interoperability of their OPACs, enabling users to search and access
materials across various databases and library networks. It promotes resource
sharing, improves discoverability, and enhances the user experience.
Handling content on an OPAC involves cataloging and organizing library materials in
a standardized and consistent manner. Here are the steps typically followed to
handle content on an OPAC:

01. Cataloging: Cataloging is the process of creating bibliographic records for each
item in the library's collection. Catalogers assign standardized metadata to describe
the resources accurately. This includes information such as title, author, publication
information, subject headings, and other relevant details. The most commonly used
standard for bibliographic records is MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging).

02. Classification: Library materials are organized and classified using a system such
as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) or Library of Congress Classification (LCC).
Classification helps in arranging materials systematically and grouping related items
together on the OPAC.

03. Subject Headings: Catalogers assign subject headings to describe the content of
resources. Subject headings help users find materials on specific topics. Commonly
used subject heading systems include Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
and FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology).

04. Authority Control: Authority control involves maintaining consistent and

controlled access points for names, subjects, and other controlled vocabulary terms
used in the OPAC. This ensures that variations or different forms of names or
subjects are linked to a single authorized form, avoiding confusion and facilitating
accurate retrieval of information.

05. Metadata Enhancement: Catalogers can enrich the bibliographic records with
additional metadata, such as summaries, tables of contents, reviews, or cover
images. This supplementary information enhances the user's understanding of the
resource and improves discoverability.

06. Regular Updates: The OPAC should be regularly updated to reflect changes in
the library's collection, including new acquisitions, withdrawals, or changes in
availability status. This ensures that users have up-to-date and accurate information
when accessing the OPAC.

07. User-Friendly Display: The content on the OPAC should be presented in a user-
friendly and intuitive manner. The interface should provide clear and consistent
navigation, search options, and display relevant details about each item, such as
availability, location, and loan status.

08. Integration with Other Systems: The OPAC may need to be integrated with other
library systems, such as the library's integrated library system (ILS), discovery layer,
or resource sharing platforms. Integration ensures seamless access and consistent
information across different library systems.
By following these steps, libraries can effectively handle content on their OPACs,
ensuring accurate representation of resources, enhancing discoverability, and
providing users with a comprehensive and user-friendly search and access
experience.

OPACs, or Online Public Access Catalogs, have several strengths and limitations. Let's
explore them:
Strengths of OPACs:

a. Accessibility: OPACs provide users with remote access to library collections,

allowing them to search for and access resources from anywhere with an
internet connection. This convenience is especially beneficial for users who
cannot physically visit the library.

b. Search functionality: OPACs typically offer advanced search options, such as

keyword searches, title searches, author searches, subject searches, and more.
This helps users find specific resources efficiently and effectively.

c. Availability information: OPACs display real-time availability information,

indicating whether a particular item is currently available, on loan, or reserved.
This helps users plan their visits or determine if they can borrow a specific item.

d. Resource discovery: OPACs facilitate the discovery of related materials through

features like subject headings, cross-references, and recommendations based on
user searches. Users can explore additional resources based on their interests or
the subject they are researching.

e. Account management: Users can create accounts in OPACs to manage their

borrowing history, place holds or requests for items, renew loans, and receive
notifications about due dates or availability. This streamlines the borrowing
process and improves user experience.

Limitations of OPACs:

i. Limited content: OPACs primarily focus on library holdings, so they may not
include all available online resources or materials from external sources. Users
may need to consult other databases or platforms for accessing a broader range
of materials.

ii. Complex search queries: While OPACs offer advanced search options,
constructing complex search queries using boolean operators or proximity
operators can be challenging for some users. This can limit the precision and
effectiveness of searches.
iii. Lack of relevance ranking: OPACs often present search results in a fixed order
(e.g., by author or title), without considering the relevance of the items to the
user's search query. Users may need to sift through multiple search results to
find the most relevant resources.

iv. User interface and usability: Some OPACs may have outdated or unintuitive
interfaces, making it difficult for users to navigate or find the information they
need. Poor usability can hinder the overall user experience and frustrate users.

v. Integration challenges: Achieving full interoperability across different OPAC

systems can be technically complex and require coordination between libraries
and library networks. Integration challenges may limit the seamless access and
sharing of resources across multiple OPACs.

It's important to note that efforts are being made to address these limitations and
improve OPACs. Libraries and developers are working on enhancing user interfaces,
improving search functionalities, expanding content coverage, and integrating OPACs
with other library systems to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly
experience.