Question

The OPAC module has the following combinations: (A) Catalogue Database (B) Dublin Core (C) Inter-Library Loan (D) Subscriptions Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Think from the user's perspective. What can a user do or see in an OPAC? They can search the catalog, see item details (sometimes in different formats like Dublin Core), and request items (ILL). They cannot manage the library's subscriptions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Define the function of an OPAC module. An OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) is the public interface of a library's Integrated Library System (ILS). It allows users to search the library's holdings and access related services.

Step 2: Evaluate the relationship of each item to the OPAC. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Catalogue Database: This is the core component. The OPAC is the search interface *for* this database.} \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Dublin Core: A metadata standard. Many modern OPACs and digital library systems can use Dublin Core to describe resources, especially digital ones, making it a relevant combination.} \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Inter-Library Loan (ILL): Modern OPACs often integrate ILL functionality, allowing users to request items from other libraries directly from the search results if the item is not available locally.} \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Subscriptions: This is an acquisitions/serials management function handled by librarians in the back-end of the ILS. It is not part of the public-facing OPAC module.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Conclude. The Catalogue Database, Dublin Core metadata, and Inter-Library Loan requests are all directly related to the functionality and content of a modern OPAC. Subscriptions are not.