OPAC

Destiny is the platform we use, and by spending some time exploring the system rather than just quickly searching and retrieving a resource as is my usual habit, I have discovered how much more it offers. I always used the default "library search" page and paid little attention to "Destiny Quest" "WebPath Express" or "Resource Lists" functions. I also had not noticed that there was a very helpful "Web Sites" tab at the top of the search results page. There are numerous ways to access both physical and electronic resources, and this could appeal to users of different ages. abilities and learning styles. I particularly like the resource lists option for doing research and will use this with my students. To be able to flag items and create a list of resources of interest (without writing it down or printing off an excess of result lists) is handy. I realized the hard way that one needs to be logged in to have these lists saved otherwise it will time out and erase. Being able to print out either a citation version or search list is also a great feature. Destiny Quest, while being more visually appealing, wold be more useful for younger students, but I found it provided too little information for senior students or teachers, and searches took longer. WebPath Express was more efficient providing lots of relevant information in the first results page. The TitlePeek feature provided for some books is also helpful in selecting resources before physically going to the shelf.
The program is easy to use, and offers lots if you take the time to look. I wonder how many users are like me and have only used the minimal tools (always in a hurry). This probably deserves a lesson to students and teachers to help them access information more efficiently and independently. I found the webpage links extremely helpful and can't believe I've spent more time unproductively doing Google searches when I could have consulted the OPAC.
The Administrative functions are also very helpful. In a previous course, using TitleWave collection analysis to a wide variety of reports, I could not imaging doing without it as a TL now that I realize what it is capable of.
The OPAC is very flexible and accessible through the internet from anywhere. Again, I wonder how many teachers realize this. Broader use needs to be encouraged through making users aware about how helpful it can be to meet their needs.