Development of BLCMP's Online Public Access Catalogue

BLCMP has been providing a computerised cataloguing service for nearly 20 years. Over the last five years the emphasis of its activities has been towards the implementation of an integrated stand alone library system, BLS. The OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) module of BLS has recently undergone extensive development with the introduction of author and keyword search facilities. Features of the OPAC described in the paper include parameterisation for flexibility in screen design, novice and expert searching, the first and current (Revision 1) versions and future developments. Finally, the close working relationship between BLCMP and the library school at the City of Birmingham Polytechnic is described.