Key Aspects in Planning an Interoperable University Library Access Portal (ULAP): a Conceptual Model

Abstract

The academic environment is becoming more and more competitive in its dealings and functions and the academic culture is fast transforming as enterprising in nature. The academic library as the centre for scholarly communication faces many challenges in meeting needs and behavioural patterns of users of the university. Among the solutions used in libraries in providing information, an access strategy through web is very much requested by modern users. A university library access portal (ULAP) is the solution for information needs of academic users to facilitate teaching, learning and research. ULAP is supposed to provide updated information and access to e-resources to cope up with the changes and challenges of the curricula and learning outcomes planned under new educational strategies. The paper tries to identify important aspects to consider in portal design and attempts to build up a conceptual model of One Point Access portal for academic users. It is hoped to integrate academic environment and the electronic information environment fulfilling information needs of teachers, students and researchers.