Portal technology is one of the more recent advances in the evolution of library systems technology. Portal products offered by library system vendors seek to integrate the vast array of electronic resources at the disposal of libraries today. The portal is innovative as it provides a single search interface thereby permitting the interrogation of a number of electronic resources simultaneously.
An overview of portals will be provided and the advantages and disadvantages of current portal technology will be outlined; including highlights of various portal products. Despite certain limitations of portals available in today's marketplace, many libraries have chosen to implement portals. Health libraries who have not considered it will need to take similar action in the future. |