OAIster

Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, MeL Training Materials

OAIster

06/10 KRB

TRAINER NOTE: The OCLC databases discussed in the following demonstration are on the FirstSearch interface, which should already be familiar to the class as the interface is covered in other MeL classes. Because of this, we will not go into any real detail about the interface.

Start the demonstration by having the class find OAISTER in the alphabetical list of databases at mel.org and open it.

OAIster is a union catalog of digital resources from open archive collections. It represents multidisciplinary resources from more than 1000 contributors worldwide. Some of the digital resources included are digitized books and articles, audio files, and video. Some of the collections included are theses and research papers. The database is updated quarterly. Have the class click on the small letter "i" icon next to the database name for further information about the database.

Explain to the class the difference between ArchiveGrid and OAIster is that ArchiveGrid is used to see where documents are located. The documents themselves cannot be viewed online. With OAIster, it shows where the documents are located, and you can actually see them (the documents) online.

1. Have the class type Japanese in the first search box and change the drop-down menu to TITLE. In the second search box, type in thesis and change the drop-down menu to RESOURCE FORMAT. In the search box next to "Year," type in 1912. Click on the SEARCH button.

2. You should get one result for this search. Point out that our search terms are highlighted throughout the record. Have the class click on the URL next to the word "Access." Point out the Session timeout at the top of the screen. Also point out the "reproduction fees and use fees" link at the bottom of the screen. Click on the RETURN arrow in the upper right corner of the screen to go back to the record. Point out the Email and Print buttons just above the record itself.

3. Next, have the class click on the SEARCHING tab at the top of the screen to go back to the search screen. Have them click on the CLEAR button to start fresh. Type birds in the first search box. The drop-down menu should remain as Keyword. Type audio in the second search box and change the drop-down menu to RESOURCE FORMAT. Click on the SEARCH button.

4. Have the class click on any record. Point out that our search terms are highlighted throughout the record. Click on the URL next to the word "Access." Just below the picture of the bird, if the record contains one, there is a LISTEN button; click on that. Click on the RETURN arrow button in the upper right corner of the screen to go back to the record.

5. Have the class click on the SEARCHING tab at the top of the screen to go back to the search screen. Have them click on the CLEAR button to start fresh. Type veterans in the first search box. The drop-down menu should remain as Keyword. In the second search box, type in personal narratives. Again, the drop-down menu should remain as Keyword. In the third search box, type in video and change the drop-down menu to RESOURCE FORMAT. Click on the SEARCH button.

6. Have the class click on any record. Point out that our search terms are highlighted throughout the record. Click on the URL next to the word "Access." Point out that Windows Media Player is required to view the video. They should then click on the ACCESS THIS ITEM link just above the record. The video will open up in Windows Media Player. Close out the window. Click on the RETURN arrow button in the upper right corner of the screen to go back to the record.

Ask for questions. Have the class do the exercises.

This service is funded in part by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan. Additional project support comes from the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).