Ares is capable of linking with any database system that supports OpenURL. This allows Instructors to request Items found in various library databases directly through Ares without having to re-key any of the request information. Ares supports all configurations of OpenURL and is highly customizable for different OpenURL sources. Instructors can log onto an external system, locate the Item they want to request, and send the request to Ares via OpenURL. Ares OpenURL is installed and functional as a part of the standard Ares Server installation.
As a general rule, if your Ares web pages are functional then AresOpenURL is functional.
OpenURLMapping Table
The OpenURL parameters for Item field values are controlled by the OpenURLMapping table, located in the Ares Customization Manager. This table is set up by default as part of your Ares installation. See Configuring OpenURL Mapping and Destinations for more information.
Example: Using FirstSearch to Request Reserve Items with Ares OpenURL
To use OpenURL for Ares requesting, log on to FirstSearch and perform a search as you would normally. When you find an Item that you wish to request, you may request it directly from Ares using the link on the Detailed Record page.
- Click on the External Links: Send Request to Ares link. This will open the Ares OpenURL Interface.
- Enter your Ares UserID and Password in the appropriate fields and click the Logon to Ares button.
- This will open the appropriate Ares web page for submission, populated with the OpenURL information (field values) for the requested Item.
- If the requested Item is a Book, the Book page will be displayed (IRFOpenURLBook.html).
- If the requested Item is an Article, that page will be displayed (IRFOpenURLArticle.html).
- Once the Item shows in the web page, you may submit it like any other Ares request.
When you click the test buttons on the FirstSearch Administration page to verify that the specified OpenURL link information is set up correctly, the Ares OpenURL Logon page should appear and allow you to log into the system, but since no real OpenURL information is being sent other than an ISBN, you will not be able to successfully submit anything to the system. This is normal behavior. If all of the above tests are successful, sending a record to Ares via OpenURL through the regular FirstSearch interface should work fine.