Library Hi Tech

Purpose – This paper aims to describe three utility tools developed at Texas A&M University Libraries, which were designed for quick access and search of the Voyager OPAC and the Voyager clients.

Design/methodology/approach – The Voyager Canned Search Generator provides content creators with an automatic way to generate persistent links to catalog searches. Quick-Cat is an OPAC shortcut search tool. It allows users to highlight bibliographic data, including authors, titles, ISBN numbers, or ISSN numbers on any web site and immediately search their own library catalog, with just one click. Designed to assist in the EBSCONET serials renewal, an Excel VBA Macro provides an easy gateway from the renewal list to the Voyager Acquisitions and Cataloging clients, the EBSCONET web site, and the library's SFX system.

Findings – The three tools fulfilled their design goals. Users were satisfied with them and they improved productivity. With innovative ideas, some technical know-how, and a good understanding of the issues librarians can turn themselves into developers of useful tools. They could come up with small, yet effective solutions by leveraging the existing system infrastructure, and combining or mixing available components. The paper discusses development issues, benefits, drawbacks and user feedback.

Originality/value – The paper provides useful information on developing utility tools for quick access and search of Voyager OPAC and the Voyager clients.