Wilson Databases Redesign Interface

WilsonWeb releases the “frameless” interface. Among some of the the enhancements you will see when trying the new interface, are the following: (from Wilson's news release)

• New enhanced layout and graphics
• New navigational features that will make the finding of information easier, faster and more successful. For example, you will see new clickable tabs at the top of the search results that allow for the narrowing of search results to include full text when available, peer-reviewed articles, etc. Also, notice the new dual use text entry box at the top of each search results screen, allowing you to search within your results, or for constructing an entirely new search.
• New for the popular Suggested Subjects. They are now listed on the left side of your search results screen and have been expanded, offering additional subjects that might be of interest.
• New simplified Print, Email, Export and Save functions.
• New easy to use Search History screen. Combine your searches, create email Alerts and save searches for later retrieval from this screen.
• New translation capability. Translate Full Text HTML documents from English into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and/or Korean.

Some of the most popular databases Alkek subscribes to are via Wilson such as, Art Full Text, Biography Reference Bank , Education Full Text , General Science Full Text, and Social Sciences Full Text, just to name a few.

I find the new interface a refreshing change. The change is not so radical that you won't know you are using Education or Humanities Full-text. Now, most of what you expect to see in your search results (narrow your results, subjects, export, etc.) are there and easy to navigate. It's easier to save and print and to create a search alert. Way to go Wilson!

Change is Good

The Alkek Library has undergone a lot of changes this summer. You may have noticed the library's new Website that went live over the summer. The re-design was based on the the results of a usability study that was conducted on the existing Website in the early summer of 2005. Hopefully the new Website will be easier to navigate and to find the library's resources. We welcome any comments or suggestions about the new Website. You can make suggestions here.

Also, August 15 the new library catalog went live. The new catalog has many more features than the old catalog. It has a clear, easy to use interface with many more ways to limit your search to certain types of materials. There is also a way to search Course Reserves which wasn't possible with the old catalog. Keep in mind this is the hard copy reserves, not E-Reserves. Soon, the "My Account" feature will be activated. The will allow you to log-in and check your library account to see what items you have checked out, to renew items, view requests, any fines you may have, and your preferred searches/alerts. Look for the "my account" link to change from gray to marroon. Then you will be able to log in using your TxState NetID & password.

A lot of times change is a good thing....