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What the ZOT happened to ANTPAC?
The UCI Libraries have launched a completely new design for the ANTPAC online catalog featuring increased personalization of functions, including email notification. The most obvious change is that a Google-like search box centers a simplified design for the homepage. “Keyword” has become the default search choice based on data indicating overwhelming user preference, followed by a selection of other search options. For novice users, the front page also incorporates search tips. Those who want advanced options can toggle to an alternative homepage that supports Boolean searching.
A second major feature is improved
access to personalized “My ANTPAC” functions. The features
include online renewal of most library materials
and the ability to view your own
patron record to see which items you
have checked out and when they
are due. You can also receive email
notifications about new acquisitions
by setting up a “preferred search.” Easy access is provided
to a variety of helpful links, including the interactive “Ask a
Librarian” Reference Services,
and electronic forms for requesting
material through interlibrary loan,
making a suggestion, or requesting
uncataloged material.
Results screens also have been completely redesigned. For example, when a search retrieves multiple records, the new “brief citation” display includes call number information without requiring a second click to display the full record.
Valuable contributions were made by Prof. Alfred Kobsa’s graduate students studying human-computer interactions. In addition to their work evaluating ANTPAC, his students are helping us improve additional aspects of the Libraries’ website. This collaboration continues to be of great value to the Libraries, and by extension, to all who use our catalog and website.
For more information, please contact Vicki Grahame (vgrahame@uci.edu or x47643).