Earlier in the year we ran a workshop for publishers to discuss the challenges users face in terms of discovering, logging into and using online resources.
Librarians at the workshop commented that it is difficult to prepare for the floods of complaints that come in from users about changes to platforms, technology and log-ins as they are not always made aware that these changes are taking place. We are all aware that a simple change in technology can have major impacts such as MARC records no longer working, or users not knowing how to find the log-in page.
The issue here is not that publishers are not sending out information, but that the information is being sent out in many different ways (Facebook, Twitter, RSS, email) and not always with enough advance warning.
To facilitate better communication between publishers and libraries we are considering developing a simple web area where we will aggregate relevant technical announcements from publishers, push out important announcements and allow librarians and publishers to discuss issues that arise. The central site would help avoid the duplication of emails, ensure that publishers consider implications prior to new technical releases and enable JISC Collections to be more pro-active in resolving issues that arise.
We are working on a mock up and would like to know your views on whether an aggregation service would be useful to you.
Further information
For further information and to send us your thoughts, please contact Mark Williams
