VuFind — An OPAC 2.0?
New Directions in Information Organization
ISBN: 978-1-78190-559-3, eISBN: 978-1-78190-560-9
Publication date: 30 August 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The chapter aims to present a case study of what is involved in implementing the VuFind discovery tool and to describe usability, usage, and feedback of VuFind.
Design/methodology/approach
The chapter briefly documents Western Michigan University (WMU) and University of Richmond’s (UR) experience with VuFind. WMU Libraries embarked on a process of implementing a new catalog interface in 2008. UR implemented VuFind in 2012. The usability result and usage of Web 2.0 features are discussed.
Findings
The implementation processes at WMU and UR differ. At WMU, users’ input was not consistent and demanded software customization. UR strategically began with a very focused project management approach, and intended the product as short-term solution. The usability and feedback from several sites are also presented.
Practical implications
The benefits of using open source software include low barrier and cost to entry, highly customizable code, and unlimited instances (libraries may run as many copies of as many components as needed, on as many pieces of hardware as they have, for as many purposes as they wish). With the usability studies presented, VuFind is proved to be a valid solution for libraries.
Originality/value
The chapter provides a unique account of library’s experience providing an alternative catalog interface using open source software. It also uniquely reports on VuFind usability and initial testing results and evaluation.
Citation
Ho, B. and Horne-Popp, L. (2014), "VuFind — An OPAC 2.0?", New Directions in Information Organization (Library and Information Science, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 159-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-0562(2013)0000007012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited