Improving Access to E-Journals and Databases at the MIT Libraries: Building a Database-Backed Web Site Called "Vera"

Abstract

The MIT Libraries provide access to databases and electronic journals via the online catalog and the web. The Vera database was created in order to improve public access to a growing number of resources listed on web pages and also to help the staff more easily maintain these pages. Details of the database, called "Vera" (Virtual Electronic Resource Access), are described, including field definitions and how the database is used by both staff and public. The development of the database helped to improve access and made it easier to maintain a growing number of resources. It has also led to many further questions and discussions among the staff of the MIT Libraries about the scope of the OPAC and how tools like Vera should be related to it.