In addition to expanded retrieval options, OPAC for Windows 2.0 includes an enhanced user request function. Regardless of where information is located in the library catalog, an internal database, or any external information source, users can now forward their requests directly to the library staff. For those items located outside the library, users may indicate their preference for either an interlibrary loan request or a purchase request. Other new features include a Cancel option to interrupt long searches and context-sensitive help to describe search fields. OPAC for Windows 2.0 will be delivered with configurations for OCLC's FirstSearch WorldCat and ContentsFirst databases and include free trial authorization to these research tools.
Users can also manage compound documents containing rich text, images, graphics and word processing.
The publication, held on Pira International's World Wide Web server in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, was accessible from a booth at the conference, and from any World Wide Web connection. Thus when a particular page, story or photograph or other item is needed, editors are presented with all the information concerning the item, as well as links to the associated data, no matter where it is located. Not only does it allow publishers to easily convert Quark-based pages into Net pages, but provides a comprehensive and dynamic archival system for the publishing trade, whatever the medium. This new system has enormous potential for cost and time savings as publications move into the information age, making wholly automatic Internet publishing a reality. We are delighted to have this opportunity to demonstrate what is possible on a strong technical foundation.