OPAC

Encyclopedia : O : OP : OPA : OPAC

An Online Public Access Catalog or OPAC is a computerized online catalog of the materials held in a library. The library staff and the public can usually access it at several computer terminals within the library, or from home via the Internet. Since the mid-1980s, it has replaced the card catalog in most libraries. Since the mid-1990s, character-based OPAC interfaces are being replaced by Web-based interfaces. OPACs are often part of an integrated library system.

Most bibliographic records in an OPAC are linked to the giant OCLC WorldCat database, which is a catalog of materials held at collaborating public and private libraries worldwide. WorldCat only shows whether a given item is owned by a library system. It does not break down information by branch library or show which copies are currently on loan to users. WorldCat users must connect to a library's own OPAC to see that information. OCLC WorldCat is not technically an OPAC itself; it is a database searchable by library personnel whose institutions have a paid subscription to OCLC's services. It is not typically searchable by the general public unless their local library subscribes to the OCLC FirstSearch reference service.

Most integrated library systems offer a Windows-based OPAC module as a standard capability or optional feature. OPAC modules rely on pulldown menus, popup windows, dialog boxes, mouse operations, and other graphical user interface components to simplify the entry of search commands and formatting of retrieved information.

The Geac Geoweb 5.0 Web Interface built for Hillingdon Libaries HillWeb Service.

OPAC vendors

• [Emilda.org] OPAC: "Emilda" (open source software)
• [Endeavor] OPAC: "Voyager"
• [Ex-Libris] OPAC: "Aleph".
• [Fretwell-Downing] OPAC: "Olib".
• [GEAC]OPAC: "GeoWEB", "Vubis Smart"
• [Innovative Interfaces] OPAC: "WebPAC Pro" (originally "Innopac", which was followed by "Web OPAC")
• [IS Oxford] OPAC: "Herit4ge"
• [Koha.org] OPAC: "Koha" (open source software)
• [SirsiDynix] SirsiDynix was formed by the merger of Sirsi and Dynix (and earlier, DRA). OPACs: "Corinthian", "Horizon", "iPac", "iBistro", and "Web2".
• [Softlink] OPAC: "Softlink"
• [Talis] (UK and Ireland). OPAC: "PRISM"
• [VTLS] OPACs: "VIRTUA"
• [Polaris Library Systems] OPACs: "PowerPAC"
• [AquaBrowser Library]

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