Catalogue shopping: the power of the OPAC
Irene Ordidge, Ann Edwards, Vince McNutt, Elizabeth Oddy, Curwen Thomas · Wolverhampton Intellectual Repository and E-Theses (University of Wolverhampton) · 2003
Background and rationaleThe functionality of the On-line Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) enables students to locate print and electronic stock, view reading lists for specific modules, renew and reserve books and check the status of their loans and reservations.Being web based the Universitys OPAC can be accessed from any PC with internet connections.Students can access it from home, work, and school as well as within the learning centres.Evidence suggests that a considerable proportion of students are unaware of this breadth of functionality, which not only allows them to locate resources, but enables management of access and borrowing, reducing the likelihood of accruing fines.Lack of awareness has implications for academic competence with assignments and ultimately for success and retention.