Users´ Expectations on Restructuring OPACs through Social Network Applications

The constant developments in web technologies have reconstructed the structure of most web-based applications and systems, causing web users to alter their behaviors/expectations. Playing an important role in the transference of information via multifarious technologies, libraries have been improving the structure and interface of their OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) through utilizing various softwares so as to realize user\´s expectations. "The next generation OPACs" integrated with social network applications, maintain a more functional and user-centered structure. The aim of this paper is therefore to determine expectations of library users regarding the next generation OPACs which are considered to be one of the most important means of accessing the information resources in the libraries. To this end, 179 users (including students and academic staff) at Ankara University and Hacettepe University Libraries were applied a web-based survey, enabling them to reveal their expectations about the idea of reconstructing OPACs by social network applications and using library catalogs. It is the first user study regarding "adaptation of social network applications into OPACs" in Turkey.