Message-Id: <199705292007.PAA27089@library.wustl.edu> Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 15:03:03 -0600 From: Alejandro Garza Gonzalez <mailto:agarza@CI.MTY.ITESM.MX> Subject: Re: Free the Catalogs, Frames, Javascript (fwd) To: Multiple recipients of list WEBCAT-L <mailto:WEBCAT-L@WUVMD.WUSTL.EDU>
We tried doing this with our III WebPac, however, III promptly removed our modifications as they couldn't exactly find out how to solve certain problems with the WebPac. While we still have a backup of our modifications, we are reluctant to re-install them as III will probably continue to require to remove them in order to solve whatever problem arises.We still keep an imagemap that uses javascript to change the scope of the search, in conjunction with a CGI script on another one of our servers.
I am opposed to III's use of frames in their webpac; we are planning to ask the current version be left installed if the frames functionality for the new version will remain the same as in the demo...
_ alejandro garza _________________ __ _ _ _ _ ITESM Centro de Informacion-Biblioteca Monterrey mailto:agarza@campus.mty.itesm.mx _ http://www-cib.mty.itesm.mx/ ____ __ _ _ _ _
On Thu, 29 May 1997, Jeff Huestis wrote: > Has anyone else taken the approach of "frontending" vendor-supplied
> webcats/webpacs?
>
> Jeff Huestis
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 12:00:45 -0500
> From: Raleigh Muns <mailto:srcmuns@UMSLVMA.UMSL.EDU>
> Subject: Free the Catalogs, Frames, Javascript
>
> Being personally frustrated with the quality of the III web interface, I've
> taught myself how to take III Web OPACs and make them frames and/or
> javascript enhanced. In fact, independent of III, I've taken seven of YOUR
> publicly accessible catalogs and done just that (listed below). Choose your
> poison via:
>
> http://www.umsl.edu/~muns/webcatdemos/
>
> You'll find frames, and frames-based + javascript "hacks" of:
>
> Arizona State University
> Deakin University (Australia)
> New York Public Library
> San Diego State University
> University of Missouri System
> University of Sydney (Australia)
> Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
>
> The University of Missouri example demonstrates the only multi-campus union
> catalog of the group, and the SDSU frames only (no java version)
> demonstrates as garishly as possible how NOT to use graphics (it's meant to
> be amusing).
>
> The point: the client/server environment of which the World Wide Web has
> been the most ubiquitous example is perfect for freeing people to "roll
> their own." If III keeps their web systems simple and modular, those of us
> wanting to use frames or java or whatever, can do that. Those NOT wanting
> to do it are thus also served.
>
> I find myself in the contrary position of being a proponent of frames and
> javascript versions of the III catalog, yet not wanting III to do such
> development for us. The complexity of a system can be inversely related to
> its flexibility (and don't get me started on the Petrified Data Format).
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Raleigh C. Muns, Reference Librarian, UM-St. Louis
> mailto:srcmuns@umslvma.umsl.edu http://www.umsl.edu/~muns 314-516-5059
>