The Ropeway database was developed to provide greater access to the specialized collection housed in the Center—first, by allowing users to access the database from remote locations and, second, by providing greater search capabilities than a traditional card catalog.
Records refer to journal articles, symposia, books, reports, handbooks, manufacturer’s catalogs and photographs. In addition, records of related materials that are not housed in the Ropeway Center are also included in the database.
To perform a search, a searcher accesses the Personal Librarian web page (www.mines.edu/library/plweb/), clicks on the Ropeway Database, and enters words or phrases in the search box provided. Each record in the database has the following searchable fields: author, title, source, meeting, publisher, publititle, source, meeting, publisher, publi cation year, keywords, abstract, location, call number, and language. If no author abstract is available, one is written by a subject specialist who includes key words to assist in the retrieval of relevant citations for the user.
The Ropeway database uses Personal Librarian Software from Personal Library Software Inc. of Rockville, Md., a forgiving program that allows users to search the database using natural language—how one speaks—rather than dictating a search format and a list of specific keywords. The searcher can view the full record of any item listed on the hits retrieved by the search.
Material may be available from a user’s local or engineering library or via an inter-library loan, either from another nearby library or the Arthur Lakes Library. None of the items housed in the Ropeway Center are circulated, but copies may be requested via email ([email protected]). There is a small charge for out-of-state-requests and a minimal charge for copying costs.
Sample Ropeway Database Record
- Author: Jim Ellis
- Title: Knowing the Winds
- Source: Ski Area Management: 20(3) May 1981, p.83, 107
- Meeting:
- Publisher:
- PubYear: 1981
- Keywords: Operations; Ropeways; Design
- Abstract: Wind-related considerations in design and, particularly, operation of aerial tramways and ski lifts. (CFD)
- Location: Colorado School of Mines, Arthur Lakes Library
- CallNumber:
- Language: English
