Simplifying Property Data Subject Guides with Catalog Enhancements and New Technology.

Abstract

For years chemistry librarians have employed both dynamic (e.g., http://www.lib.utexas.edu/thermodex/) and static (e.g., http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/science/property.htm) web pages to help users find property data in the library. Often these web pages replicate much of the information found in the library catalog. In an effort to reduce duplication and make property information easier to find we separated our property data web page into two separate components. First, we created a local form/genre subject heading for property data in the catalog and applied it to selected books from the collection thus taking advantage of the search capabilities of the catalog. Second, we redesigned the web page so it primarily links to online property information. Short instructions for finding print property information via the catalog are also included. This approach allows us to leverage the strengths of each medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]