The Catalog allows patrons to search the library collection from any computer with a Web browser. Patrons can determine if desired items are owned, how many copies are owned, their shelf location in the library, and whether or not they are available. Search results list all bibliographic records found matching the query. The patron can then determine availability and location, sort the list, and print the search results for a concise, comprehensive bibliography.
By default, records appear in a brief record format during viewing. With the click of a button, the expanded bibliographic record and item location information from the holding record can be displayed. The default record format can also be changed to any one of the following formats: bibliographic, full MARC, catalog card, brief labeled, compressed list, list, and expanded labeled.
The search results screen is the default bibliographic display. The record detail is the expanded labeled format. Search results can be sorted by author, call number, call number by prefix, copyright date, medium/author, medium/call number, medium/title, and title. Search results display an image of the cover of the item, when appropriate, along with additional item information, either from Google Books or through a subscription to Syndetic Solutions.
Media type symbols provide instant resource format recognition. Each record has a media symbol associated with it. The media type symbols used by the Catalog are: artifact, book, photo, music cassette, movie or slide, ebook, electronic media, journal, library kit, map, sheet music, book on tape, data CD, music CD, video recording, DVD, or online resource. Item availability is determined by color: a green square with a check mark for available, a red square with an X for on-loan status or otherwise unavailable, or a blue square for an electronic resource. Results are obvious with a quick glance. Book cover images can be displayed alongside items in the Results and Bookbag windows.
Oasis supports USMARC field 856 (electronic location and access), enabling patrons to link to cataloged Web sites or other electronic resources directly from the Catalog.
A Kids Catalog is available as a separate Patron Mode interface. The background graphics for this interface can be chosen by the user from a given selection.
