CORDIS Archive

Telematics for Libraries - Project

OLUIT

Updated: 02 JUL 98

Theme

Interfacing in library applications via client-server models (Theme 16 bis)

Project description

The aim was to develop an efficient and innovative tool kit to create a multiplatform GUI for libraries in a client-server architecture.

The tool kit was developed using an object-oriented methodology and consists of objects related to specific types of information and management functions used in library applications.

Care was taken to comply with international bibliographic and search & retrieval standards. The toolset is portable (i.e. multiplatform) and addresses in particular search and retrieve functions on the basis of an object-oriented approach.

Technical approach

The project consisted of nine separate workpackages:

• Method definition to examine library user needs and evaluate existing object oriented methods;
• Survey of projects connected with library GUIs and of international formats and standards;
• Library user requirements analysis with in-depth analysis of user requirements, functions and search/retrieve criteria;
• Prototype definition, including technological platform, usability characteristics and hypertext tool;
• OLUIT requirements analysis to define functions for a new GUI based on preset classes of objects;
• Prototype design, coding, testing;
• Prototype and OLUIT installation and training;
• System monitoring;
• OLUIT design and coding for a library of classes, hypertext guidelines and user documents.

Key issues

• examination of user requirements;
• development of a user-friendly interface which can be applied in a variety of library environments.

Impact and results

The development of an object-oriented user interface should have considerable impact on library applications as the technology involved could significantly reduce software development and maintenance costs while coping with increasing complexity of services and functions. The approach is also ideally suited to dealing with multimedia. The user-friendly prototype is now being developed for use in the Italian library network and in a number of French libraries.

Deliverables included state-of-the-art surveys, a user requirements analysis, technical specifications and a usability evaluation report. Implementation software has been developed together with user and installation manuals.

Deliverables

The OLUIT toolkit prototype has been the main deliverable of the project. Specifications, and test reports are restricted or confidential but in the public domain are:

• A survey of current GUIs;
• A survey on formats and standards of documentation;
• Library user requirements report ;
• Usability evaluation;
• User and installation manuals;
• the final report.

Coordinator

Other Partners