California State University Fullerton

Library Update

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On the Move

Pharos

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About Library Update

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Lighting the Way to Information - Under the aegis of the 1994 Strategic Plan entitled Transforming CSU Libraries for the 21st Century, the CSU Council of Library Directors determined as its highest priority a project to plan, design, and implement a Unified Information Access System (UIAS). The UIAS was defined as a single, easy-to-use, integrated, and coherent computer-based user interface which provides direct online access to or delivery of:

• Print resources in all CSU Libraries’ Online Public Access Catalogs and those of libraries beyond the CSU.
• Print resources described in other bibliographic/abstract databases such as periodical indices.
• Digital resources, including text, image, video, and multi-media.
• Internet-based resources, including those on the World Wide Web.

Leading-Edge Technology - The UIAS project was regarded by the library vendor community as a leading-edge solution to integrated access to the full range of library resources from any place and at any time. As a result, several responses to a formal Request for Information were submitted and, ultimately, Ameritech Library Services was awarded the contract to develop the UIAS. Development of this project has involved a broad range of CSU faculty and staff over the last few years, and now the resulting system is nearing its debut to the CSU user community. The project has recently been named Pharos, after the lighthouse of ancient Alexandria, to denote its role in lighting the way to information resources.

Coming Soon to your Computer Screen - During the coming spring and summer, Pharos will be made available on each CSU campus. Once fully operational, users can expect to search multiple OPACs or other databases simultaneously in “broadcast” searching mode and to initiate directly interlibrary loan transactions from computer workstations (similar to the prototype CSULink service, but much expanded). This powerful tool will simplify searching, provide direct access to electronic full-text resources, incorporate help/instruction in navigating the information universe, and allow for local campus options to best meet individual needs.

Watch the Library’s homepage for Pharos updates.

Pat Bril
Associate University Librarian

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