Description

Currently the processes involved in creating reading lists are very time consuming and a solution to simplify the authoring, modification, collaboration (e.g. between librarians and academic staff), and sharing of lists is needed to alleviate this administrative burden. The goal of this project is to demonstrate, configure and evaluate the reading list software that has been developed on the JISC MDC project. The MDC project implements all the necessary interoperability specifications without creating a complex environment for the end user. This project will allow the software to move beyond the development stage and into the real university setting. Current-use use cases and scenarios concerning the oxford library systems and creation of reading lists have been collected as part of this project.

The tool will be available as a web based programme or as a piece of software that can be downloaded onto the user’s desktop and will perform a number of federated searches with bibliographic catalougues, including the Oxford Library Catalogue to allow users to easily select items and move them into their own lists. Reading lists can be exported in word processing format, PDF and HTML and it is intended that the tool will eventually integrate with popular bibliographic softwares such as Endnote. The ACDT have been working closely with potential users to ensure that the tool will meet the requirements of the university and further changes are expected to be made in the following months, with a release scheduled for June. A demo of the prototype tool can be found at http://flounder.oucs.ox.ac.uk/mdc2/

Requirements Gathering Exercise

• 15 people were surveyed as to how they currently created and used reading lists.

• A series of scenarios and use cases were formed of current use were developed to identify problem areas.

• A Requirements Gathering Workshop to expand upon the above and receive feedback to initial prototype designs.

• Feedback was analysed

• A Summary Report of requirements was circulated.

Contacts

Project Manager: Kate Lindsay