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Fall 2002
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Adding
"Special Effects" to Electronic Resources
Coming this fall, an exciting new feature called “SFX” will begin playing in the 23 libraries of the California State University (CSU). Thanks to CSU system-wide funding and technical support, users will soon begin to see live links in citation databases that will take them directly to either full-text online or a number of other access options. This new functionality will save users steps in the research process. For example, if a researcher finds an article of interest in Social Science Abstracts online, instead of having to look up the cited periodical title in the Library’s online catalog and/or in the list of electronic full-text journals, one will be directed from a hyperlink, in a logical order,
 to the most immediate point of access to the desired article. In many cases, full-text will be available; when it is not, the user will be offered other relatively seamless electronic options such as placing an interlibrary loan request through the ILLiad service (see related article in this issue).
While some electronic linking between and among information providers currently exists, it is often of a piecemeal nature, based upon individual vendor agreements and varying technical protocols. Bringing order to this rather haphazard situation has become an urgent priority within the information community. And SFX has emerged as a leading contender in this effort. SFX is a software application, originally conceived by the University of Ghent in Belgium. It was then purchased and further developed by the international library systems vendor, Ex Libris. SFX, of course, stands for “Special Effects” and the functionality offered by this application may be seen to work like magic. Not all electronic information providers are currently SFX compatible, but many of the biggest suppliers have adopted this feature, and the industry is rapidly moving to an “Open URL” standard, which will further accelerate the adoption of this application.
Over the next year, each CSU Library will be engaging in the process of activating the various linking options, based upon its own local full-text subscriptions and database offerings. This involves contact with information vendors as well as some technical customization of the service, based on campus preferences. Pollak Library’s SFX Team recently received training in this process, and the activation of linked sources will soon be underway. Following performance testing of each resource, Fullerton will be implementing this new feature for use by the University community. Look for links labeled “Check for full-text and more via SFX” or just simply “SFX”. Follow those links, as they offer a preview of coming attractions.
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Pat
Bril
Electronic Collections Librarian |
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