Online Catalogs: What Users and Librarians Want
In 2008, OCLC conducted focus groups, administered a pop-up survey on WorldCat.org (OCLC’s freely available end user interface on the Web) and conducted a Web-based survey of librarians worldwide.
The Online Catalogs report presents findings from these research efforts. The findings indicate, among other things, that although library catalogs are often thought of as discovery tools, the catalog’s delivery-related information is just as important to end users.
In addition, the report presents findings on:
- The metadata elements that are most important to end users in determining if an item will meet his or her needs
- The enhancements end users would like to see made in online library catalogs to assist them in consistently identifying appropriate materials
- The enhancements librarians would recommend for online library catalogs to better assist them in their work
Use the links on the right to download the complete report, download a synopsis of the report, view the on-line executive summary, or order a printed version of the report. If you register to download the report, you'll receive e-mail notification of other reports and notes as they are published.
Downloads: full report
Register now to download
You’ll receive e-mail notification of other reports and notes as they are published.
Download without registering
English | Simplified Chinese
Order a print copy
English
Downloads: executive summary
Downloads: synopsis
Web session
Online catalogs: designing with users in mind
The webinar, “Online Catalogs: Designing with Users in Mind”, recorded Aug. 13, 2009, featured Karen Calhoun and Christie Heitkamp of OCLC reporting on their online catalog research findings, discussing user and usability studies and describing resulting changes made to WorldCat, WorldCat.org and WorldCat Local. During the event, the presenters chatted virtually with participants and the chat dialog is available along with the event recording and polling results.