Online Public Access Catalog: The Google Maps of the Library World

What do Google Maps and a library's Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) have in common? Google Maps provides users with all the information they need for a trip in one place; users can get directions and find out what attractions, hotels, and restaurants are close by. Librarians must find the ultimate OPAC that will provide, in one place, all the information and services patrons will need for their searches. As a former and current patron of libraries, the author offers important criteria for an OPAC from the patron's point of view, and discusses additional criteria that librarians should take into consideration while deciding the format of the OPAC. (Contains 4 figures.)