There will be a new release tonight affecting most of the Vermont Online Library databases.
From Gale’s Press release:
“Included in this release are a number of new, key features. Below is a list of some of the most exciting ones:
* Search Alerts with RSS export: Set up instant search alerts and journal alerts, with the added ability to create RSS feeds of InfoTrac content.
* Did You Mean?/Also Try: When a search fails to bring desired results, users are given alternate spellings and preferred search terms to find appropriate results.
* Search Within Results: Dynamically refine search results to pinpoint specific information by adding or excluding more terms to queries.
* Enhanced Limiting: After a search is completed, the left sidebar will be repurposed to provide users with the option of selecting subject terms, subdivisions, article types and publications to allow further limiting of results.
* Enhanced Navigation: Based on feedback, changes have been made to improve the interface navigation, including the creation of document tools (print, email, cite, download, translate) that appear in a visible box on each document.
* Enhanced Tabs: The number of results now will appear on each tab, and color variation will be added to the tabs to signify more content behind the other tabs.
* Enhanced Bookmarks: Direct access to individual documents, searches and collections of documents will be made available through PowerSearch Bookmarks, which are clearly visible, easy to use, and always persistent.
* Improved “How-to-Cite” Functionality: MLA and APA formats for citations will be provided, with accurate elements, correct spacing and formatting.
* Publication Details: More information about each publication will be provided, including embargo periods, publisher address and contact information, and publication descriptions.”
Gale’s Website provides Search Tips, a Fact Sheet or Brochures about the new features.
Gale sent out a helpful PowerPoint demonstrating the new features.
Register for a live, online PowerSearch demonstration.
I’m curious how that’s going to work since the RSS authentication thing isn’t really fully hammerd out yet. That said, any improvement to the interface would be welcome. Rutland has been staring at a library card number entry field that says “Please enter your password of Library barcode” [yup, that's a typo, and it's not mine] for three years now.
Hi Jessamyn,
According to Tech Support at Gale, the remote patron’s computer will be authenticated when they set up the feed and as long as they don’t delete their cookies, they won’t have to reauthenticate.
Mara
P.S. I also asked Gale to fix the typo.
Mara