[WEB4LIB] Re: Naming of Library [computer] appliances (OPAC or not)

[Mack Lundy]

Roy,

While I don't disagree with you, I suspect that names for catalogs have
several benefits:

1.  Easier/quicker to refer to (e.g. "look it up in MELVYL" vs "Look it
up in the library catalog")

2.  More interesting in publicity announcements.  Maybe also logos that
can be used on handouts.

3.  You have to name the server something so why not use the name of the
catalog

4.  We like to anthropomorphize objects

Mack

Roy Tennant wrote:
> 
> "Sutherland, Paul" <Paul.Sutherland at ccc.govt.nz> said:
> 
> >We have a small group of colleagues who are trying to decide to change
> >the name of our OPACs (for no logical reason)
> 
> Just yesterday I was commenting in a workshop I was teaching about how
> librarians seem to think they have to come up with a cutesy name for their
> library catalog. What is it about computers that makes us do this? We
> never named our card catalogs! Why not call it what it is, what people can
> relate to, and what will not require explanation: the library catalog.
> Roy Tennant
> (from an institution that has both "MELVYL" and "GLADIS"...and no, they're
> not married)

-- 
Mack Lundy (malund at mail.wm.edu)
Library Systems Manager
Swem Library
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8794
Voice:  757.221.3114     Fax:  757.221.2635