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Minutes - 20 October 2004

Present: Hennig (chair), Duke, Gaskell, Quirion, Skuce (minutes)

1. SFX

The group discussed an idea that one staff member suggested about SFX links that don't go directly to articles, but to intermediate search screens instead. We are working on a note that would accompany such links, and we'll also explore whether we can sort such resources to display lower in lists. Millicent will mock up a brief "more info" page for patrons who want to know more, then we'll finalize wording, and put it in place.

More SFX: We want to improve user outcomes in those instances where electronic full text is not available via SFX, but may in fact be available through the Libraries. The message presented to users needs improvement. We will add wording that directs users to check for print and electronic access, and add a Vera link to the message..

2. Libraries home page, photo stripes and news

We have several ideas in the works for future photo stripes, connected stories, news items, and so on. WAG reviewed Darcy's project-status page, and came away with some assignments. Christine will work with Johanna about RVC images, Stephen will work with Lisa on GIS, and Millicent will work on figures related to the Libraries' total holdings. Darcy continues her work on coordinating and creating images, and writing news stories, tips, and featured-service blurbs..

3. New pages in the works

  • Nicole and Millicent are working on a new web form for print reserves
  • Working with Kate McNeill-Harman, Nicole is mocking up a wireframe with a sidebar design for the Data Services page. WAG reviewed Nicole's early draft, and we hope this could become a template for other fairly "deep" subject pages.
  • Nicole also met with Heather and Hudson to review the Preservation Services pages. Nicole and Hudson are working together to create a public version of this site.
  • The Aga Khan Archive on our site is a highly used resource by the outer world and has now been updated and moved from its old home on the "baron-ochs" server, to the usual locations on our web site. Nicole worked with Rich to set up redirects from the old server to the new home of these pages. They can be seen here:
    http://libraries.mit.edu/mosques and http://libraries.mit.edu/agakhan

4. "New Book" pages

WAG discussed ways to improve and customize this feature, specifically with regard to RSS. We examined its use at Royal Holloway University of London, where you can see a list of new titles, each of which is a live link that goes right into the catalog, and retrieves its record when clicked on: this is talking directly to their Aleph installation. We will follow up with staff at RHUL, and ask to borrow their "new books" code for Aleph. This would require testing and other work, but once up and running, it would be a big improvement on the current Brio Query setup, which is highly work-intensive. On a related note, Tracy Gabridge will include a few words about building RSS capability right into the product when she addresses the ARL Metalib Portal Implementors early next month.


Next meeting:

Wednesday, November 3, 2-3:30pm, Barker Conference Room

http://libstaff.mit.edu/webgroup/minutes/20041020.html


Web Advisory Group Home > Minutes > 20 October 2004