Database Descriptions - Update Project

Originally presented at Bibliographers' Council Meeting, April 29, 2003 - since updated

Database descriptive information displays in MetaQuest and then is pulled from MetaQuest and displayed on the Online Databases web pages. MetaQuest contains web-based resources. Resources are mainly subscription databases and library catalogs. Subject Research Guides have been added to MetaQuest. Guidelines for the content of MetaQuest have been compiled by the ECSC.

  • Next version of MetaQuest, MetaLib 2.13 (went live August 15, 2003)
  • Test version of new Online Databases site: A-Z List (under development)

Goal:
Update database descriptive information by June 20, 2003 in preparation for next version of MetaLib to be released August 2003. Send to Theresa via e-mail (lymanth@bc.edu):

  • Description
  • Date Coverage (if applicable)
  • Link for Additional Info/Help (if applicable) - only URL no text.
  • Indicate if resource contains full text.

Elements for Display - ( "i" screen for Online Database page)

Database Name
The name will be linked with the URL.

URL
URL for the resource without the proxy string. The proxy string (http://metalib.bc.edu/login?url=) will automatically be added to restricted resources (i.e. BC Community Only) that are accessed from outside the BC IP range (off-campus). Requests from on campus will bypass the proxy server.

Access Restrictions
This will display next to the name of the resource.

(BC Community Only)
(Unrestricted)
(Law School Only)

Description
A short basic description of the content of the resource. Include the following types of information if applicable: subjects covered, type of content found (full text, abstracts, statistics, book reviews, articles), the producer or source of content, scope of coverage (i.e. "approximately 400 scholarly journals" or "more than 100 popular newspapers and magazines"), etc. For Subject Research Guides the description is copied from the scope note on the guide.

Date Coverage
Included for resources with specific date coverage. If date coverage is not important for the resource then do not include. Examples of date coverage: 1980-present, 19th century, latest 5 years. Avoid the term "varies".

Additional Info/Help
A link to either a BC instruction page, for example: Access to CIAO (http://www.bc.edu/libraries/meta-elements/pdf/ciaohelp.pdf) or instructions/tutorials provided by the vendor, for example: CCH Internet Tax Research NetWork Online Tutorial http://tax.cchgroup.com/training/quickstart/trn.asp This is just a URL, no text can be included. - This is a MetaLib restriction for this field.

Categories (choose up to 10):
These categories reflect the subjects taught and researched at Boston College. Remove categories that are better described by Resource Type. (What's the most useful way to present resources - broad categories or more specific?)

General/Multidisciplinary

Archives & Manuscripts
Art & Architecture
Business & Management
Classical Studies
Communication
Computer Science
Current News
Economics
Education
Ethnic Studies
Gender Studies
General Reference
History
Language & Literature
-- English & American
-- German Language & Literature
-- Romance Language & Literature
-- World Literature
Law
Library Catalogs
Mathematics
Nursing & Health Sciences
Performing Arts & Film
Philosophy
Physical & Life Sciences
Political Science & Government
Psychology
Social Work
Sociology & Anthropology
Sports
Theology & Religion

Resource Type (choose only 1) this will only display in MetaQuest:

Article/Index Database
Catalog

E-books/Documents
Image Database
Newspaper
Reference Source
Research Guide
Statistical Database

Full Text
A Full Text icon will appear if the resource contains some full text.
Also, can limit search to full text resources by using the Keyword field - fulltext.

New Resource
A New Resources list will be generated; set by 3 month time period.

MetaQuest Searchable Resources
If the resource is searchable in MetaQuest, then links directly into MetaQuest will be added. For example, WorldCat is searchable in MetaQuest, therefore the following lines will display:

Do a Quick MetaQuest Search of WorldCat (include search box which does Keyword Search in MetaQuest).

Link to MetaQuest Subject Categories:
Go to MetaQuest and view other resources in - Library Catalogs.

Help Message
Each database information screen will have a line that explains how to get more help. Something like "Need Help? Contact Us" link to 24/7, reference e-mail, phone #'s etc. and a link to Remote Access Information.

Other ideas for consideration

Link to Alerts Research Guide
For databases that provide e-mail alerts, add a note about the availability of alerts and a link to Brendan's Alerts Research Guide.

SFX Source
The Find It icon will appear if the resource is an SFX Source.

Temporarily Unavailable Message
A message to display if a resource is unavailable due to technical or subscription problems. This would also display on the A-Z list.

Link to Quest Record
A link added to the item's record in Quest. The Quest System Number could be used for this.


Revised 08/20/03

Theresa Lyman
Database Descriptions