| EOS International (EOS) has announced the release of the new Q Series
Web OPAC version Winter 02. According to the announcement, this new version
incorporates an inviting, user-friendly interface and the latest Web technologies
to deliver optimized performance and fast displays of relevant search results.
"As a client-driven company, EOS International set out to create a Web
OPAC designed specifically from the user's perspective. To accomplish this
goal our skilled product developers, graphic artists, and Web designers
worked in close corroboration with the EOS-appointed Q Series Advisory
Committee to create a thoughtfully user-designed product," said Jeffrey
Goodwin, EOS director of research and development.
The EOS development staff coordinated the users' direct input and asked
what their needs and objectives were through each stage of development.
"The EOS development staff was great," said Mary Kreinbring, the American
Dental Association's library services director. "They worked closely with
us and other Q Series clients in designing the new Web interface. They
really listened and responded positively to all our suggestions, and we
had plenty. The resulting product has a very clean look and improved navigation.
Best of all, individual libraries will be able to customize the screen
to suit their particular needs."
Prototypes, storyboards, and quantitative questionnaires aimed at understanding
the users' perceptions were utilized throughout the development process.
The result is a product that is simple enough for novice users, yet also
powerful enough for the most advanced.
According to the announcement, the new Q Series Web OPAC is simple to
learn and easy-to-use. It efficiently delivers relevant search results
with easy-to-understand tabs, pull-down menus, and buttons that take the
guesswork out of browsing and searching. Flexible search features enable
users to choose between Simple, Browse, or Power search options; provide
clear definitions with examples of each search type; and allow users to
browse or search by Word, Author, Title, Publisher, Subject, Year, ISSN/ISBN,
Call Number Prefix, and/or Call Number. In addition, this next-generation
Web OPAC provides enhanced interface template customization and color scheme
capabilities that let the libraries tailor the module.
Source: EOS International, Carlsbad, CA, 800/876-5484, 760/431-8400;
http://www.eosintl.com. |
