Enhanced Library Database Interface
Purpose – This project initiative seeks to develop an integrated framework for managing the Library subscribed Databases. It aims to provide a single workflow for the administration of the subscribed databases and information web pages, as well as provide a modern and intuitive end-user interface for library patrons to access with ease and connect with social networks for information dissemination and sharing purposes.
Findings – The initial workflow was disjointed and involved many parties in publishing subscribed database’s information on the database Web pages. This delayed the process of getting the information to the end-user. After reviewing the system and working with the IT support to enhance the workflow, publishing of a subscribed database on the webpage could be done much faster.
The Subject librarians no longer need to know HTML coding as a WYSIWYG user interface using CSS technology is provided and control is now at their fingertips for publishing/updating database information pages under their purview in real time.
Deliverables:
• Empower user (the Librarians) to publish and update information pages for databases under their purview independently and in real time.
• Enhance community resource sharing by linking Information pages to social networking sites.
• Enhance information pages with multimedia capabilities.
• Enable ease of tracking of Database usage and patterns.
Benefits:
• Provide end-user interactivity for the information pages.
• Significantly reduce the coordination and time to publish/update database information pages.
• Quick usage report analysis generation with Google Analytics.
Research limitations/implication – This is an ongoing project. Currently we have completed Phase 2, where we focused on improving the look and feel of the website and management of information, in particular the ease of user access and site administration.
Practical implications – The paper uses web page design elements from today’s Web 2.0 trends, to strengthen the ease of accessibility and management of the various databases subscribed by the Library.
Originality – This paper offers a non-technical perspective to librarians and institutions in designing and managing their subscribed databases using a web directory user interface that facilitates ease of access for users and ease of managing the vast number of databases links and information for librarians.
