A survey of hypertext-based public-access point-of information systems in UK libraries

Abstract

We have recently completed a survey of the operational use of hypertext-based information systems in academic, public and special libraries in the UK. A literature search, ques tionnaire and both telephone and face-to-face interviews demonstrate that the principal application of hypertext systems is for the implementation of public-access point-of- information systems, which provide guidance to the users of local information resources. In this paper, we describe the principal issues relating to the design and usage of these systems that were raised in the interviews and that we expe rienced when using the systems for ourselves. We then present a set of technical recommendations with the inten tion of helping the developers of future systems, with special attention being given to the need to develop effec tive methods for system evaluation.