Brave new OPAC, or Rube Goldberg meets Aleph

Paul A. Soderdahl, University of Iowa
Ed Holtum, University of Iowa

Abstract

The OPAC Working Group at the University of Iowa has taken a "blank slate" approach to the development of its "InfoHawk" OPAC. By starting with an "ideal" interface rather than merely fine tuning the Aleph "out-of-the-box" version, the group has developed a product that it feels is better tailored to its users. This presentation includes a demonstration of the OPAC, a discussion of the rationale for the interface, a look at some inventive ways the group overcame the barriers and limitations encountered during the implementation, and an account of the technical factors that had to be taken into consideration.