1The Bayswater Insitute, London, UK
2Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, UK
3Mimas, Manchester Computing, University of Manchester, UK
Paper presented by Ken Eason at:
ECDL2004 - Eighth European Conference on Research and Advanced Technology for Digital Libraries, University of Bath, UK, 13 - 15 September 2004.
PowerPoint presentation
Published in: Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Springer-Verlag) 3232 pp 452-463. ISBN 3-540-23013-0.
View paper in SpringerLink (subscription to Lecture Notes in Computer Science required). © Springer-Verlag.
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Abstract
Digital library users have to deal with many separate services. This paper describes efforts in
the United Kingdom to use
OpenURL technology to provide `joined-up' services. The focus is on
zetoc, a national electronic service, which enables users to find references in a British Library
bibliographic database. zetoc now uses OpenURL technology to provide routes to services, which
might give users access to electronic full text versions of references they have found. Data is provided
from two questionnaire surveys and an interview programme conducted to explore user responses to
these services. These evaluation studies show that users want these integrated services and are
extremely positive about them when they work. However, `joined-up' services depend for their success
on the access rights that each user has to full text sources in their institution. As a result, the success
level in obtaining full text varies considerably between institutions. Users in disadvantageous positions
have expressed disappointment and frustration; the service may be regarded as a promise not fulfilled.
The paper describes the development of `joined-up services' as a partnership at national and local
levels.
17 January 2005
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