By Mike Loy
The new Illinet Online library system, in place since the fall semester began, makes looking for books a much more enjoyable activity, according to head librarian Carol Bird.
The system, which is basically an elaborate card cataloguing system, is available through the Internet which means it is accessible from anywhere.
OPAC, or the Online Public Access Catalog, is the first and most and important system for students, Bird said. OPEC allows students to look at a list of books and documents not only at the IVCC library but also at any of the other 45 on-line libraries in Illinois.
Bird explained that through OPAC, students can search by author, title, subject or call number. OPAC also allows students to view their own records to see what books they may have previously checked out or ordered from another library.
Users of the system have two connection options: the Information Gateway and Web 2. Web 2, the simpler version to navigate, is still under construction, Bird said. Designed by Data Research Associates, Web 2 was selected by the state of Illinois for the Illinet on-line system.
The Information Gateway requires more technical knowledge, Bird said.
The Illinet system can be accessed through IVCC’s home page or by going directly to www.ivcc.edu/library.
Oct. 8, 1998 the Apache