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As with any shared format for serializing data, Primo's PNX records have limits on the types of data which they pass along from the source records and into the Primo tool. As a result of these limitations, PNX records do not currently have a provision for harvesting and transferring rights information about HathiTrust holdings that the Kansas State University (KSU) Library system indexes through Primo. This created a problem, since Primo was defaulting to indicate that all HathiTrust materials were available to KSU Libraries (K-State Libraries) patrons, when only a limited portion of them actually were. This disconnect was infuriating some library users, and creating difficulties for the public services librarians. There was a library-wide discussion about removing HathiTrust holdings from Primo altogether, but it was decided that such a solution was an overreaction. As a consequence, the library IT department began a crash program to attempt to find a solution to the problem. The result was an application called hathiGenius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the University of Southern Indiana (USI), graduate programs primarily produce physical theses and capstones. As programs expand online options, the need for electronic dissertations and theses grows. The institutional repository offered a chance for the library to collaborate with graduate studies and teaching program faculty to develop templates that would streamline workflows and improve document accessibility. Templates were created for doctor of education dissertations in APA style, along with master theses in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles that could serve multiple programs. This presentation outlined the process of working with campus stakeholders to develop the templates, as well as the steps taken to ensure accessibility of both the template and final dissertation or thesis. Presentation resources and electronic theses and dissertation (ETD) templates are available for download at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automation has become an important part of today's libraries. Libraries are being automated to replace conventional libraries, which provide a number of issues, particularly for College Libraries in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The primary concerns with automating libraries, according to the research, may be classified into two categories: pre-automation problems and post-automation problems. Other flaws highlighted were, among others, inadequate database architecture, a lack of information literacy instruction for patrons, and poor utilisation of online information resources. To deliver new services to its clients, libraries use a variety of strategies, including computerised operations such as acquisition, automation, and OPAC. This report presents some of the experiences and makes an attempt to survey and appraise the Pre and Post Automation Problems in College Libraries in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author conveys his concerns on how people in technology positions can extend their impact through their organizations. Topics mentioned include reason why deeper technical skills will be required for new library positions, the transition of catalogers to metadata specialists, acquisitions for greater automation and patron-driven selection.

Automation has become a very integral aspect of modern libraries. Automation of libraries is designed to replace traditional libraries with its numerous challenges, specifically for public libraries in Ghana. This study was conducted by reviewing different papers on prospects and challenges of library automation globally and specifically narrowed to Ghana. From the study, it was revealed that the main problems of automating libraries have been categorised under four main headings which are; No automation problem, pre automation problem, automation problem, and post automation problem. Other problems revealed were poor construction of databases, lack of provision of information literacy education among patrons, poor usage of online information resources among others. The study further sought to identify the potential benefits of automating public libraries in Ghana which were the availability of more resources to patrons, deployment of inventory libraries, reduce manual labor, and increased rate of patron’s access to catalogs. It was recommended that funds must be allocated to automate public library systems, encouragement of practical hands-on workshops, review progress on areas of digitisation, planning, and consultation from other automated libraries, and employment of computer mastery databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automation has become a very integral aspect of modern libraries. Automation of libraries is designed to replace traditional libraries with its numerous challenges, specifically for public libraries in Ghana. This study was conducted by reviewing different papers on prospects and challenges of library automation globally and specifically narrowed to Ghana. From the study, it was revealed that the main problems of automating libraries have been categorised under four main headings which are; No automation problem, pre automation problem, automation problem, and post automation problem. Other problems revealed were poor construction of databases, lack of provision of information literacy education among patrons, poor usage of online information resources among others. The study further sought to identify the potential benefits of automating public libraries in Ghana which were the availability of more resources to patrons, deployment of inventory libraries, reduce manual labor, and increased rate of patron's access to catalogs. It was recommended that funds must be allocated to automate public library systems, encouragement of practical hands-on workshops, review progress on areas of digitisation, planning, and consultation from other automated libraries, and employment of computer mastery databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of computer based catalogue systems designed for use by library clients, seeing present day 'discovery systems' on the same trajectory as the older 'online public access catalogues' (OPACs) which they are gradually replacing, both in technical development and their approach to client use scenarios. It traces the history of the OPAC/discovery system from its origins in the library automation of the 1960s through to the present and discusses the main technical standards which have formed its development. The article goes on to consider questions relating to the usability of electronic library catalogues and highlights semiotic and ethical issues inherent to their design. It concludes with reflections on the future of the OPAC/discovery system in an information universe apparently dominated by the internet search engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The adoption of integrated library systems (ILS) became prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s as libraries began or continued to automate their processes. These systems enabled library staff to work, in many cases, more efficiently than they had in the past. However, these systems were also restrictive-especially as the nature of the work began to change-largely in response to the growth of electronic and digital resources that they were not designed to manage. New library systems-the second (or next) generation-are needed to effectively manage the processes of acquiring, describing, and making available all library resources. This article examines the state of library systems today and describes the features needed in a next-generation library system. The authors also examine some of the next-generation library systems currently in development that purport to fill the changing needs of libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As more libraries integrate information from web services to enhance their online public displays, techniques that facilitate this integration are needed. This paper presents a technique for such integration that is based on HTML widgets. We discuss three example systems (Google Book Classes, Tictoclookup, and MAJAX) that implement this technique. These systems can be easily adapted without requiring programming experience or expensive hosting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the digital collection management through library catalog, which has given archivists and librarians a pause to reconsider access to their collections. A strategy has been offered for adapting a library system to traditional archival practice, which is by making use of some of the capabilities on module in Portland State University Library's Integrated Library System that was originally designed for managing electronic resources. A method was developed to manage digital archival collections in a way that incorporates some of the features of a traditional finding aid. Although the records created for traditional library systems are not as rich as those on finding aid, it shows a step toward reconciling traditional library and archival practice.

This chapter examines sonic of the forces, history, and language that have contributed to the current state of affairs in online learning and online library instruction. It argues that approaches to online learning should focus on making portals interactive domains where people and information can be brought together to commingle in productive ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the prize-winning essays on the topic `What the OCLC Online Union Catalog Means to me,' which was part of a tribute to mark the 25th anniversary of WorldCat, the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) organization's Online Union Catalog in Dublin, Ohio. Prizes offered to winners; Entries which the contest attracted.

This paper aims to gift the results of a survey conducted to see the effective use of online Public Access Catalogs (OPAC) at the library of Jeppiaar Maamallan Engineering College in Chennai. The paper examines the result from a questionnaire based survey conducted at the library. 50 samples of the form were distributed in a random way between the employees of Jeppiaar Maamallan Engineering College in Chennai out of which 48 completed and valid questionnaires (96.00%) were received for analysis. The information received from the respondents through these questionnaires was analyzed. Thus, the study clearly highlighted the requirement for associate degree education programme module for users to market the effective use of OPAC. An effort is formed through this study to gift the difficulties Janus-faced by users at engineering college libraries, in looking for data victimization OPAC. This paper provides helpful empirical proof for librarians and therefore the analysis community on the usage of OPAC in libraries of engineering colleges. The results of this study are going to be helpful for librarians at Jeppiaar Maamallan Engineering College in Chennai and additionally to different librarians around the state and country. This paper provides original information from library finish users in engineering college, relating to their expertise whiles victimization OPAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many librarians find it difficult to compile information about perpetual access to their e-journals because it may be scattered across numerous license agreements. Rather than creating and maintaining a database for perpetual access information that is separate from the order records and holdings information found in integrated library systems (ILS), the University of Memphis is using Innovative Interfaces' Sierra ILS. By leveraging fixed and variable-length fields to record perpetual access information, we can perform queries and generate reports that are helpful in making collection development and preservation decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the automation of libraries in the United States beyond online public access catalogs (OPAC). Strategic thinking for information technology decisions; Relationship of OPAC to other locally maintained electronic databases as an important management decision; Relation of a CD-ROM network or tape load to a product; Financing alternatives to outright purchase of computer hardware.

A variety of open source library management software is (LMS) available in the library arena. However, only a few of them are fully compatible with latest technological changes and support maximum technological features. The work focuses only on those open source LMS packages which are available on the web for download freely and still releasing their updated versions and aims to discuss the OPAC module in those packages to trace the features and characteristics with special reference to searching and online services provided through web interface of the said packages. The comparative study is made from the review of earlier studies, information from the web-pages of the LMS packages and hands-on practice in local installation done. The comparative study will be helpful for library and information professionals who are planning to automate their libraries with open source package and also planning to provide OPAC facility to their users for better use the library documents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the status of library software being used in the libraries of higher education institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. A quantitative survey method was used. The population of this study was central/main libraries of all HEIs of Pakistan recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). A questionnaire was designed after review of literature to collect data. The questionnaire was sent to all head librarians. The findings reveal that majority of the libraries had started automation. The libraries of public and private sector institutions were not significantly different in automating their routines. The libraries were using a variety of software and Library Information Management System (LIMS), a free software was at the top in terms of number of users. Other popular software were WINISIS, Inmagic, Koha and VIRTUA. There were also examples of adoption of open source software. Majority of the libraries were doing automation in the absence of proper budget for software and allied activities. Similarly, libraries did not have up-gradation and training agreement with the software providers. The participant libraries reported the presence of cataloging, circulation, reports and OPAC modules in their software but most of the libraries did not mention the availability of modules like acquisition, serial and webopac. Software used by the libraries did not have national language support in most of the cases and ability to support regional languages was also negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to highlight the library software awareness with special focus on OPAC Vs card catalogue among the users of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and Kashmir University. The study also highlights the features of LibSys and Virtua software used by the select libraries. The investigator has used questionnaire as a key tool for collecting the necessary data for the present study. Although the study covers a number of software packages, but Virtua and LibSys softwares have been discussed in detail. A wonderful finding of this study is that the Kashmir University has successfully installed RFID technology through Virtua; but, the same is yet to take place fully in the select IITs. However, the majority of users in select IITs are using OPAC, while as the usage of OPAC in Kashmir University is comparatively lesser. Another finding of this study is that all the select libraries are still maintaining card catalogues, though used very less. The present study will be useful to enhance the usage of OPAC in the select libraries. It will also serve as a tool for other libraries to analyse the features and facilities of leading indigenous and international software package for selecting the suitable software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features the technological projects of medical librarian Mary Wallace Berry that helped in transforming hospital librarianship at the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Topics include the Masters of Science in Library Science of Berry and membership in the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP). It also notes technological projects of Berry including the launch of the first intranet, the use of DataTrek and Portable Document Format (PDF) and teleconferencing.

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the functionality of three different Online Public Access Catalogues, i.e., LibSys, VTLS's iPortal, and Troodon ILMS acquired by study university libraries in Delhi with the help of a specially designed evaluation checklist. The various features of the OPACs in seven university libraries (University of Delhi, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi Technological University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Indira Gandhi National Open University, and Jamia Hamdard University) are evaluated. The evaluation approach taken was similar to that of Margam and Aggarwal with minor modifications. It comprises 214 dichotomous questions with 145 features in 12 broad categories. The study explored different features of OPACs, of which page layout is the highest scored feature and Web 2.0 based OPAC feature is the lowest. Location map and series hyperlinks, meta-search, comprehensive search limits in publisher and place of publication, spell check software facility and additional help to remote users, image of book covers, relevancy ranking, reviews, user-added tags, tagging, RSS feed from the search, citation creator, customer written reviews 'email this link', etc., are some of the features lacking in all the surveyed OPACs. The highest scored OPAC is the LibSys-based OPAC of Jamia Hamdard University with 61.68 per cent and LibSys of Jamia Milia Islamia is the lowest scored with 41.58 per cent. The findings of the study prove to be a useful source of information to librarians, especially university librarians who are planning to introduce OPACs and also for the software vendors who wish to improve the functionality of their OPACs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the experiences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Library in Kumasi, Ghana in reaccessioning and stocktaking of the library resources to generate data for the implementation of a library automation project. Topics include the development of an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) using accession records, the establishment of real volume of library stock including books and other resources, and the reclassification of books with incorrect class numbers.

The article provides a brief history of the use of technologies within libraries and by librarians as part of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). Particular focus is given to the library automation efforts of the IFLA's Mechanization Committee. Other topics explored include the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), the use of the Internet in libraries, and technological innovations such as smartphones and electronic book readers (e-readers).

This paper examines Online Public Access Catalogue usage by the students and faculty of Panjab University Library, Chandigarh. OPAC, an information retrieval system, has revolutionised access to bibliographic information through search capabilities such as keyword searching, Boolean searching, truncation, proximity searching, and item identity number searching. A questionnaire-based survey on use of OPAC was conducted forA.C. Joshi Library on various categories of users such as faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students, covering different disciplines such as basic sciences, applied sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The paper discusses various aspects of OPAC such as frequency of use, purpose, ease of use, satisfaction level, etc. An attempt is also made to explore the reasons for the least used search options of OPAC. The results of the study reveal that a significant number of users search information regarding the library material through OPAC despite encountering problems. Lack of basic skills among users was found to be the major reason for not utilising full features of OPAC. It is suggested that University library should organise quality instruction programmes to improve knowledge and skills of the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Recat' or 'recon'? Pursue a labour-intensive, costly, and time-consuming method (recataloguing) or utilise a relatively cheap, largely automatic procedure, admittedly imperfect and fraught with errors, which holds up a glimmer of hope for a complete online catalogue in the near future (retrospective conversion)? This is the dilemma a big library is bound to face when it determines to migrate its traditional paper-based catalogue - or a part thereof - to the net. The article presents the main aspects to be considered in choosing the appropriate method: given the criteria of cost, quality, and time, many libraries prefer to adopt the cheaper and automatic method, even if it is less perfect in terms of quality: retroconversion. A spe- cific case of this is the scanning and OCR of the catalogue cards themselves, XML-conversion of the generated records as well as the creation of a number of indices, which are keys for users' online search sessions. A successful project of large-scale retroconversion is discussed in detail. The ADAM Project - named after ALEPH's module for managing digital objects - was run by the Central University Library of laşi (Romania). About 1.3 million traditional catalogue cards have been digitised and integrated into the OPAC of the library during the six months of the project for a relatively low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work is undertaken to study the effective use of Web Online Public Access Catalogue (Web-OPAC) in engineering college libraries in Karnataka. The main objective of the study was to examine the primary data is obtained from the cross section of user community through questionnaires. The importance of knowing the various search facilities available on effective use of integrated library software packages and their services, the engineering college libraries have started using advanced information technology in providing services to the users. Web-OPAC is one of the major services. The present study is an attempt to know the use of web-OPAC by the users. The study revealed that the tool is useful and at the same time respondents felt that there must be user orientation needed for the Web-OPAC, to help in retrieving the required documents. Examines the utilization and satisfaction of users about Web-OPAC and highlights the suggestions made by the users for the further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author presents recent facts and figures for the Central and Eastern European Online Library (CEEOL), as well as some statistics on institutional usage displaying Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the Russian library system's current landscape and outlines its relationship with electronic technologies and Internet technologies in particular. The author discusses Google projects in Russia, and then analyzes possibilities for more substantial and elaborate Google activities in the Russian and CIS library and information sector. The paper concludes with specific project proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of knowing the various search facilities available on a range of software packages, on a comparative basis, cannot be overemphasised. This study concerns with laying the foundation for such exercise. With the application of information technology in libraries, selection of an appropriate library automation software package has become a challenge for the library administrators. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is an important module in all library packages. The present study evaluates three important library software packages, namely, Alice for Windows, Libsys, and Virtua in the context of OPAC module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Integrated Library System (ILS) is an automated system, which usually consists of a number of functional modules, such as acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials, an OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) and so on. All of the functional modules share a common bibliographic database. In this paper we will investigate the application status of Integrated Library System in Chinese main academic libraries and make a comparative analysis of three sorts of domestic Integrated Library Systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of library catalogs and the national union catalog in Poland and the inclusion of the latter in OCLC's WorldCat, bringing Polish cultural life from authors to researchers and composers to a worldwide audience. Design/methodology/approach - Two Polish librarians deeply involved in the liaison with OCLC over WorldCat discuss the development of library automation and catalogs in the country, in particular NUKAT, the national union catalog for academic and research libraries in Poland. The article also covers the inclusion of Polish library data in Google Scholar. Findings - There is a wealth of Polish content now available via WorldCat - currently around 900,000 items are available. Practical implications - Makes researchers aware of data on Polish publications that can now be found via OCLC's WorldCat and Google Scholar. Poland is one of Europe's major publishing countries, with around five per cent of Europe's publications a year. Originality/value - Provides an overview of the cataloguing situation in one of Eastern Europe's more recent member states of the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries have started using advanced information technology in providing services to the users. Online Public Access Catalogue is one of the services that to being provided by the Devi Ahilya University Library. The present study is an attempt to know the use of Online Access Catalogue by the users. The study revealed that the tool is useful and at the same time respondents felt that there must be someone near the OPAC to help in retrieving the required documents. Examines the utilization and satisfaction of users about OPAC and highlights the suggestions made by the users for the further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looking at the changes and trends in technical services departments during the last 15-20 years, this paper discusses how cataloging positions have changed since the late 1980s, what skills are required for today's cataloging positions, and what library science students can do to prepare for a successful and fulfilling career in technical services. Although traditional cataloging skills are still needed, today's hires must possess additional skills such as computer skills, communication skills, and management skills as well as traits such as flexibility, a willingness to learn, and a tolerance for change to succeed and flourish in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an interview with college professor Marshall Breeding. He elaborated the use of WorldCat for cataloging in integrated library systems. He also discussed the impact of online library catalogs on these libraries. The explanation regarding the significance of library automation systems for operation of the library as an interface to deliver services and content to library users is also included.

Purpose - the purpose of our study was to find out whether searching for defined information through WebPAC was more efficient and effective than searching directly in alternative databases. Design/Methodology/Approach - 30 participants (Lingnan University students) were observed searching the Web-OPAC and 3 other selected databases (NetLibrary, Naxos Music Library & Naxos Spoken Word Library). Participants' different searching behaviours, efficiency, and effectiveness were also observed, measured and recorded. Before and after the searching exercises, a Pre-Search Questionnaire and a Post-Search Questionnaire were used to ask targeted questions for enquiring their searching experiences. Findings - the findings suggested that searching under WebPAC was more efficient and effective. The findings also suggested that the average Lingnan Library users were more familiar with the use of the traditional WebPAC. Research limitations - some limitations include a small sampling size, and all the participants were given only 3 minutes for retrieving 1 title. Originality/Value - this study attempted to evaluate the searching interfaces of the WebPAC and three commercial databases by quantitative measurement. It also looked into end-users' searching preferences and difficulties in searching when using these interfaces. It is instructive for practicing reference and cataloguing librarians, as well as for the OPAC and search interface designers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interface characteristics — terminology, screen design and navigation — have a strong impact on perceived ease of use and its subsequent effect on the intention to use an online library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The libraries of the Catalan Polytechnic University (UPC) have a collection of cartographic documents made up mainly of navigation charts as well as numerous land maps. It has been noted that the OPAC search and retrieval on this latter group is complex and confusing. In order to resolve this problem, a digital cartographic gateway was developed. Its main function is as an image (or sensitive) map of Catalonia that permits retrieving the maps by county. The application, developed using Flash, Asp.Net and Dhtml, runs on a database taken directly from the UPC Libraries' Catalogue. The principle features of this application are the minimal maintenance required as well as the ease of updating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1982 a Brazilian joint venture of cooperative automated cataloging at national level started, which developed in the 1990s with the greater use of the Internet and changes of format and software to provide Internet access to online catalogues. In consequence, major changes were made from 1997 on to operate with new software entirely online, with full Internet access for remote users and an Intranet for cataloguing from 80 workstations. The launching, in 1998, of a Web site with one million records, including the current National Bibliography, linked to images and sounds, legal deposit records and ISBN registration, as well as full text classical Brazilian literature, has created an impact on users. In 1999 registers of copyright records were also made available on the web, and today encompass 200,000 items. An Electronic Consortium of Libraries was created in 1998 which caters to users and also deals with libraries individually through its outreach programme. The sophisticated system of copy cataloguing permits libraries which become members of the Consortium to download full bibliographical records and multimedia, free of charge, from the National Bibliography. The online cataloguing software has built-in automated Portuguese translation offering cataloguers at their workstation access to official translated terms of subject headings used by the Library of Congress. Several thematic sites have been developed to cater to cultural awareness, targeting social, economic and cultural aspects of the different history and life of all states in Brazil, showing the cultural diversity of the North and South of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theoretical-methodological aspects of the research project UBACYT F054 (Universidad de Buenos Aires Technical and Scientific Program, 2004-2007) are outlined. Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs) in web environment in national, academic, public and special libraries in countries belonging to Mercosur are analized. Aspects related to the operational control, search formulation, access points, output control and user assistance are studied. The project aims, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to make a situation diagnosis valid for the catalogs of the region. It also offers a comparative study in order to see the existing tendencies on the subject in similar libraries in Argentina, Brasil, Paraguay and Uruguay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein are given the results of a study carried on, in order to automate an information center, based on the utilization of tools such as information management and free software. Information management gives the possibility to know the present situation of any information center as well as evaluate its needs, is for that reason that is necessary to identify and analyze information flows and resources. Based on this, are developed strategies in order to automate the processes performed by the work team, which is the object of this study. Also are defined here automation needs and those free software, that were elaborated to automate different library processes and are presented in this paper too, studies in relation with the creation of OPAC CLABEL, as the first system set, which was developed with an ISIS tool in a Web environment and MARC21 is the format for data input and interchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case study about library instruction as essential for the use of the architecture faculty at Yale University. It is an instructional program incorporated in the school system of Yale to enable students to use an online catalog. The objective is to measure a student's perception of the instruction session and to determine if it has improved their performance as well. This will also give the students an easier means of accessing information necessary for their architectural course.

The IOLS 2000: Integrated Online Library Systems conference was held in conjunction with the National Online Meeting at the New York Hilton on May 17-18. The conference focused on trends in library automation and the implementation of online resources and services in libraries. This paper offers highlights of the conference and its sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article describes Westchester Library System's (WLS) efforts to create a user-friendly online catalog for audiovisual materials for the patrons of Westchester County's public libraries by applying local cataloging practices when necessary while adhering to national standards as much as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The verbal protocol method is used extensively in computer usability studies. This study was designed to test the feasibility of using the verbal protocol method as a means of conducting field research on the online catalogue. Ten undergraduate students conducted their own research on DRA's Infogate. As they searched, they talked aloud about what keys they were pressing, what was happening on the screen, and their reactions. Transcripts of sessions were analyzed. A total of 65 different problems or comments were noted during search sessions, with 11 problems or comments noted in three or more sessions. This supports the hypothesis that the verbal protocol method is a valuable means of identifying common problems for users. It is suggested that the verbal protocol method offers great potential as a research tool in librarianship, for example in the area of interface design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]