The McDreamy OPAC: Creating a Vision for Next Generation Search Tools

When I was asked by Evan Struble of OhioNet to put together a workshop on OPACs, I was a bit intimidated by the thought of putting together 3 hours of content. But I forged ahead came up with the McDreamy title, and started compiling thoughts based on my 15 years of experience with OPACs and the ILS software.

Three months later, and after presenting variations of the presentation twice in the last week (last week to Dayton Metro Library staff and just yesterday teamed with Nieca Nowels to a group of weather braving Ohio public, academic and special libraries), I can say that this was so much fun to compile and present. Oh, and 3 hours isn't really enough time to do the topic justice.

Here's the power point that provides a snippet of what we discussed.

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For those interested, we are planning a repeat session this fall for OhioNet that will be an extended 5 hours. Watch the Ohio Net web site for details. Yes, you'll have to wait for Fall. I vowed no more presentations until after maternity leave. Two boys under two is about the only thing more intimidating than pulling together a 3-hour workshop!