3: Resource Accessibility
Improve Accessibility of Resources Other Information:
As the Augustana web site evolves and student expectations increase, it is imperative that the library’s web site keep pace
in this ever changing environment. The development and addition of tutorials and FAQs will enhance the user experience and
complement the library’s information literacy initiatives. We plan to work closely with the college in the addition of a Portal
so that students and faculty can move seamlessly between resources. The South Dakota Library Network (SDLN) is offering two
new search enhancement products that we want to implement locally. First, SFX is a link resolver which will enable patrons
to link to our full-text content regardless of which database they are using. For example, from Academic Search Premier, students
will be able to link not only to the full-text provided by Ebsco, but also JSTOR, Project Muse, and other full-text sources.
Second, MetaLib is a federated search interface allowing users to search multiple databases from one search screen. As SDLN
enhances its installation of the Aleph ILS software, new versions and upgrades will be implemented. Currently SDLN is planning
to upgrade from version 16 to 18 in early 2007. These upgrades will require planning, downtime, and training. In addition,
there may be enhanced features to interlibrary loan, course reserves, and the OPAC that will need to be learned and configured.
A media booking module and inventory features are two areas that will require experimentation to see how they might best be
used. While improving access to resources in terms of search capabilities and bibliographic records is critical, our recent
survey of students indicated a desire for the library to expand its hours of operation. In addition, we believe that one of
the results of a collaboration with NABS would be a demand for the library to be open hours that might work better for their
non-traditional student body, particularly longer hours on Saturdays. Using digital images, we can create online displays
of historical pictures, manuscripts, and artifacts that will be of interest to the college community and the general public.
These displays can portray the story and resources of Augustana College to a general audience including prospective students
and alumni. Purchasing additional available hardware and software would enable our staff to increase access to archival materials
unique to Augustana College. In addition, digitization would preserve these fragile printed materials because their use will
not require physical handling. A clear benefit of making materials such as the EDDA (yearbook) and the MIRROR (student newspaper)
available via the web is maintaining a connection with alumni.
Objective(s):
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