VRML-based 3D OPAC

Abstract

This study deals with design issues of 3D OPAC. The developments of information technology and OPAC were examined to illustrate that even though they are closely related, OPAC has progressed at its own pace, oblivious of IT advancement. A survey of the literature reveals that though design principles for text-based 2D OPAC are abundant, guidelines for designing 3D OPACs are lacking. However, many researchers of 3D information retrieval systems agree that 3D representation of information is better than 2D for three reasons. Firstly, in a 3D system users follow a content-oriented instead of an organisation-oriented search path. Secondly, a 3D system provides a better user interface as it allows users to manipulate information objects directly. Lastly, 3D visualisation helps the user to comprehend large quantities of data and the relationships between these data items.