ITAM (Implementing the DNER Technical Architecture at MIMAS) Evaluation The Impact of OpenURLs on End Users

In the past two years many universities and services have been implementing OpenURL technology that enables users to move 'seamlessly' from one service to another. SFX technology is an example that allows users to follow up references and check whether they can access full text electronic versions of articles. This evaluation explores a number of implementations of SFX and reports user experiences and reactions to date. The results show that it is a service of great potential that would be highly valued by users. Responses to it have been favourable, particularly in those institutions that have implemented their own resolver and have access to a large number of electronic journals. Under these conditions users often find they can get to electronic full text in only a few keystrokes which they describe as magic. There are signs, however, that user responses are less favourable when the chances of success are much lower, e.g. in institutions without a local resolver and where access to electronic journals is limited. Under these circumstances users are often negative about the rate of success, the absence of early information, e.g. an abstract, the time that can be wasted and the experience of moving from service to service. Some recommendations are offered to ensure the high promise of this approach is sustained and that early and negative user experiences do not inhibit later take-up as the service improves.