The simpler (like Google) the better in my opinion. Usage of EndNote in
our research group is viewed as a lifesaver for managing PubMed
references, switching Journal bibliographic formats with a click of a
button, and reordering references while working on a paper. The user
interface doesn't matter too much since everyone is so grateful for what
it does. The automatic retrieval of bibliographic info from PubMed into
the database once a reference is discovered is also viewed as wonderful
magic. I've only heard one complaint about some usage method being
clunky in EndNote. The functions I've described are essential for what
my users do, which are papers submitted to Molecular Pharmacology,
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Journal of Biological Chemistry, and so
on. Lot's of references have been accumulated but the capability of
Endnote to associate a PDF with a reference hasn't been used, nor have
we tried to import references from other sources into Endnote like I
thought we would. Everyone just goes and gets what they need and each
has rebuilt their database from scratch. These are all MSWord/XP users
who want to focus on research. The mindset is to get the paper done,
and if just going to Pubmed to retrieve a reference is simpler than
finding a database where it already exists, then that is what they will
do. There isn't anything wrong with this approach, but designing the
GUI and usage pattern of the software should keep those type users in
mind. I think most users of bibliographic software appreciate switching
formats, ease of re-ordering references, and easy retrieval of
references from public databases. If you put in a Google like search
functionality, I am sure it would be a hit! Especially if you could
treat it like the Pubmed webpage, where you just stick in the last name
and first initials.
Dow
Bruce D'Arcus wrote:
sorry, some messages aren't going to both lists; Rob and I were
discussing simple (google like) vs. complex (library GUI like) search
interfaces.
On Feb 24, 2005, at 9:54 AM, Dr Robert Sanderson wrote:
That's fine, so long as we have both options.
Sure, that's all I'm arguing for :)
Nice to see we can argue about something we agree on ;-)
But the issue is important for GUI design. I think often people start
with the complex search interface with the other being an
afterthought. I believe the simple query is essential, because it's
the most common method by which a user finds stuff.
In Endnote, BTW, you have a table view, with different columns.
Clicking a column sorts on that field. If you type on the keyboard,
it filters based on that. It's slow and awkward. I want something
like that, only much better; my google field at the top of the table
display.
Bruce
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