JISC
The Project
In 2007 DataSalon Ltd created an online tool to help libraries make informed decisions about future subscriptions to online resources - the Academic Database Assessment Tool (ADAT).
ADAT covers more than 25 academic services, allowing librarians to contrast the features and content of bibliographic and full-text databases, and functionality of journal and eBook platforms:
- Advanced search across any or all databases.
- Venn diagrams show overlapping titles.
- Compare journal and eBook platforms.
- Suppliers manage their own details and data.
- New suppliers may join up for free at any time.
ADAT: Clickable Venn diagrams show overlapping and unique titles.
JISC Collections is a division of JISC (the Joint Information Systems Committee), working with digital and online publishers to provide resources for UK further and higher education.
Our Approach
A detailed written specification for the entire project was created, outlining enhancements to an original prototype created in 2006.
The new site was developed based on DataSalon's core data integration and reporting platform - DataSalon MasterVision.
Admin screens were created allowing suppliers to add and maintain details about their databases and platforms.
Automated tools were set up to validate and process new database title listings, allowing suppliers to keep their data fully up-to-date.
Functional testing was carried out by a specially recruited librarian panel to ensure that the site would meet the requirements of real users.
A welcome pack was created for new suppliers, who are encouraged to join the ADAT service at any time. Participation is free and open to all.
The Results
- Site launched in Nov 2008.
- Advanced search allows librarians to compare any combination of services.
- Clickable Venn diagrams give visual representation of overlapping and unique titles.
- Drill-down to details of individual titles.
- All title listings available to download.
- View key information about journal and eBook platforms.
- Admin screens allow suppliers to keep their data up-to-date.
- New suppliers may join at any time - participation is free.
- ADAT site is accessible (double AA) and valid XHTML Strict.
This is a highly impressive tool which is part of our ongoing commitment to providing librarians with the right information to enable them to make informed decisions.
JISC Collections is delighted to have worked closely with DataSalon Ltd and the librarians who kindly assisted in the beta testing of the Academic Database Assessment Tool, to produce such a fascinating resource.
You can also download this case study as a PDF document.
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