At my previous library we had both an A-Z list and the journals listed in
the OPAC.  We found that most of our users were more familiar and wanted the
journals in an A-Z list.  Rarely did they search for a journal through our
OPAC.  However, we felt that the journals should be in the OPAC because we
(library staff) searched for our journals that way, the OPAC allowed us to
see things down the issue level, and there were patrons who wanted to search
for journals in the OPAC.  So we had two access points for journals, but we
did notice that the majority of patrons preferred and used the A-Z list.

Michelle

--------------------------------
Michelle Kraft
Medical Librarian
South Pointe Hospital
4110 Warrensville Center Rd.
Warrensville Heights, OH  44122
(216) 491-7454
mkraft@cchseast.org

-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum
[mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU]On Behalf Of Tony Goodwyn
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 12:23 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] A-Z Lists vs. the OPAC

Hello, serialists!

Recently, the idea was raised about taking an A-Z List
from a link resolver and using it almost completely in
lieu of the library OPAC to search for journal
information.

I'm wondering a few things about this, and, being
pretty new to serials, I'd really like some opinions
about it.  I'm intrigued by the idea, but I'm not sure
I have the perspective to see what some potential
problems might be.  Does anyone on this list have
experience in dealing with this subject?  Any advice,
issues, or considerations I should know about?

Any input would be appreciated.

Best,
Tony

Tony Wren Goodwyn
Serials/Electronic Access Librarian
St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Ave.
Northfield, MN 55057

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