Comments on: Oxford Libraries Web Access: baby steps http://buhjillions.spikecurtis.com/oxford-libraries-web-access-baby-steps/ Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:04:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Ben http://buhjillions.spikecurtis.com/oxford-libraries-web-access-baby-steps/comment-page-1/#comment-89 Ben Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:32:06 +0000 http://buhjillions.spikecurtis.com/?p=164#comment-89 As a student of the humanities, my struggle with the Oxford University Library System (OULS) has, of course, been arduous and, at times, nigh hopeless. Surprisingly, it is these extended periods of disappointment that prompt me to come to OULS's defence. They are moving in the right direction, and their technological improvements rely on systems vetted by some of the largest libraries in the world. The primary fault for an incomplete online catalogue lies solely with the decentralised college system. Every college is welcome to participate in the catalogue--but they cannot be *required* to do so. A centralised system would bring so many benefits, I cannot see what keeps colleges hanging on. Not only would catalogue searches be more efficient, they could also have access to cheaper services--either through in-house departments (such as collection preservation services) or through the added benefit found in economies of scale. Additionally, I think that OULS should expand even farther to include collections like the Language Centre Library and departmental collections. Limiting search capabilities to qualified borrowers should be a simple matter. As for the interface with stack requests, I think it will be here within a reasonable amount of time. The new Bodley's librarian means business. But we can commend the library for rolling out essential improvements without making us wait another year (or five). P.S. In their last town hall meeting, OULS information services suggested that WPA and iPhone access was on the way. They've signed on with some big names in library services (MetaLib, et al.)--I'm not giving up hope yet. As a student of the humanities, my struggle with the Oxford University Library System (OULS) has, of course, been arduous and, at times, nigh hopeless. Surprisingly, it is these extended periods of disappointment that prompt me to come to OULS’s defence. They are moving in the right direction, and their technological improvements rely on systems vetted by some of the largest libraries in the world. The primary fault for an incomplete online catalogue lies solely with the decentralised college system. Every college is welcome to participate in the catalogue–but they cannot be *required* to do so.

A centralised system would bring so many benefits, I cannot see what keeps colleges hanging on. Not only would catalogue searches be more efficient, they could also have access to cheaper services–either through in-house departments (such as collection preservation services) or through the added benefit found in economies of scale. Additionally, I think that OULS should expand even farther to include collections like the Language Centre Library and departmental collections. Limiting search capabilities to qualified borrowers should be a simple matter.

As for the interface with stack requests, I think it will be here within a reasonable amount of time. The new Bodley’s librarian means business. But we can commend the library for rolling out essential improvements without making us wait another year (or five).

P.S. In their last town hall meeting, OULS information services suggested that WPA and iPhone access was on the way. They’ve signed on with some big names in library services (MetaLib, et al.)–I’m not giving up hope yet.

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