Serials Solutions releases new subject browsing based on Library of Congress classifications and Columbia University hierarchical system
Serials Solutions, a business unit of ProQuest Information and Learning, released today a new e-journal subject browsing feature based on the Columbia University Libraries’ Hierarchical Interface to Library of Congress Classification (HILCC). Developed in response to requests from librarians for more flexible and powerful subject browsing capability, the new feature enables patrons to quickly and easily find e-journals in specific subject areas.
This release upgrades Serials Solutions’ core subject browsing architecture and makes it easy to offer even more improvements in the future. For example, it lays the groundwork for customized subject hierarchies that more specifically reflect the unique nature of individual libraries. These further enhancements are scheduled for release in 2006.
"E-journal subject browsing enhances librarians’ ability to align resources with curricula," said Mike Showalter, MLS, group product manager at Serials Solutions. "For example, a professor can view all of the journals in ‘Economic History’ or just those in ‘Economic Theory.’ But the development challenge was to link journal records to the subject hierarchy in a way that allows for easy modification and enhancements to meet the needs of more than 1,500 libraries worldwide."
Combining Library of Congress class numbers from CONSER MARC records, the HILCC methodology developed by Columbia University librarians, and the authoritative e-journal data and delivery systems pioneered by Serials Solutions provides several benefits. One significant benefit is that the new subject feature can easily grow based on library feedback and the ongoing growth in the number of journals available electronically.
"Our decision to build a hierarchical interface based on LC Classification has given us a robust, flexible and easily maintained system for e-journal browsing," said Bob Wolven, Columbia’s Director of Library Systems and Bibliographic Control. "We’re pleased to see that value extended to Serials Solutions customers, and hope others will find it as useful as we have."
"The Library of Congress subject classification system is a time-tested standard that works extremely well for creating an online browsable hierarchy," said Showalter. "As part of our commitment to deliver libraries complete solutions for today’s electronic collections, we are excited to offer this enhancement that increases the accessibility of e-resources to all patrons. The work done by librarians at the Library of Congress, Columbia University, and Serials Solutions combine to benefit all Serials Solutions subscribers."
The new subject browsing is immediately available to all Serials Solutions subscribers through the E-Journal Portal and as a stand-alone feature anywhere in a library or university’s web site. Because the service is hosted by Serials Solutions, the enhancement has been deployed by Serials Solutions and requires no work from subscribing librarians.
About Serials Solutions
Serials Solutions, part of ProQuest Information and Learning, provides complete solutions for today’s electronic collections. Founded by a librarian for librarians, Serials Solutions helps librarians and patrons find and use electronic content through its Access & Management Suite (AMS), Full MARC Records service for e-journals, Article Linker - Serials Solutions’ comprehensive OpenURL link resolver, Central Search - a powerful federated search engine, and its newest product ERMS - a lifecycle manager for electronic subscriptions.
About ProQuest Information and Learning
ProQuest Information and Learning is a world leader in collecting, organizing, and publishing information worldwide for researchers, faculty, and students in libraries and schools. Known widely for its strength in business and economics, general reference, humanities, social sciences, and STM content, the company develops premium databases comprising periodicals, newspapers, dissertations, out-of-print books, and other scholarly information from more than 8,500 publishers worldwide. Users access the information through the ProQuest® Web-based online information system, Chadwyck-Healey™ electronic and microform resources, UMI® microform and print reference products, eLibrary® SIRS® and Voyager Expanded Learning educational resources, and XanEdu® online faculty and student resources. For more information about ProQuest Information and Learning, visit www.il.proquest.com.
ProQuest Information and Learning is a business unit of ProQuest Company, which was recently named one of the top 100 fastest growing technology companies in the United States by Business 2.0 and one of the 200 best small companies by Forbes Magazine.
About Columbia University
Columbia University Libraries is one of the top ten academic library systems in the nation, with 8.6 million volumes, over 65,650 serials, as well as extensive collections of electronic resources, manuscripts, rare books, microforms, and other nonprint formats. The collections and services are organized into 25 libraries, supporting specific academic or professional disciplines. Columbia Libraries employs more than 400 professional and support staff to assist faculty, students, and researchers in their academic endeavors.
Founded in 1754 as King’s College, Columbia University in the City of New York is the fifth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and today is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions. For more information about Columbia University, visit www.columbia.edu.