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CSU, Fullerton	Spring 1997
University Library	Volume 3, No. 1

The Library recently upgraded the computer platform for the OPAC to a DEC Alpha to support expanded use in Library-North and the expected increase in transaction volume from the campus infrastructure upgrade.

The Library has also purchased a Web version of the OPAC, called WebPac. Anyone with Internet access now has two ways to gain access to the Librarys online catalog. From the Librarys Web site (http://wwwlibrary.fullerton.edu) click on Online Catalogs, after which you will be given a choice between going to the OPAC via the Web or via Telnet. Or point your Web browser to opac.fullerton.edu. Our library is adding records for government information resources on the Web and for electronic journals which we have purchased. A title search under Internet resource collects those records which contain hot links to Internet resources. There are currently more than 1000 such entries.

The Library has also purchased a Z39.50 client server for the OPAC. This facilitates communication among the online catalogs of different libraries and displays results in the format of the system from which the search is initiated. Likewise, access to additional electronic databases, offered by commercial or other Internet providers, will be facilitated. Thus a local Fullerton user will not need to learn a new set of searching protocols to extract information from another librarys online catalog or other Internet accessible databases. The CSU system is currently negotiating a contract for a Universal Information Access System (UIAS) that will build upon the Z39.50 capabilities and provide better connectivity among all 23 campuses, and better access to the wider world of Internet resources.

On order are other OPAC enhancements to streamline the internal library operations and provide more options to users. An inventory control module will facilitate better physical control of the print collections. Export will allow patrons to place a group of OPAC records in a file that can then be downloaded from a PC or e-mailed to another location. Another new feature will allow circulation notices to be e-mailed, thus saving the Library postage and reducing the time to communicate. Another software enhancement will facilitate electronic ordering of library materials, thereby improving library/vendor communications and shortening the time between order and receipt of materials.

Like our physical facilities, the Librarys OPAC has also been expanded and revamped with the goal of better meeting the needs of campus and community users. Remember that comments and suggestions can be sent us via the OPAC. Please use this to communicate with us about further improvements you would like to see in the system, or indeed about anything relating to the Library and its services. We post our responses on a bulletin board in the lobby of Library-South.

Questions or comments on the Library Update? Contact Richard Pollard, Library Director
General questions or comments about the CSU Fullerton Library web site? Contact Library Webmaster.
Revised: 13 April 1997