The answer to all our problems? Trialling a library portal

In early 2002, Monash University Library trialled Fretwell‐Downing's ZPortal software. This software was designed to create seamless access to all the library's electronic online resources. Monash was one of the first libraries in the world to use the ZPortal software. The paper will discuss the reasons for adopting a portal, what was expected of the software, and the aims of the trial. In addition some outcomes of the trial will be discussed, as well as the practical maintenance issues that a system of this nature creates.