Note:
OCRA has been phased out as the library’s course reserves system. The Brown University Library has migrated to a new course reserves platform that integrates directly with Canvas and the Library’s BruKnow catalog. This document is for the purpose of historical information. The library’s new course reserves system can be found here.
Overview
OCRA is a locally developed full-bodied course reserves management application. Faculty use OCRA to submit requests for both traditional and electronic reserves (in all formats), to track and edit their requests, and to reactivate course reserves from one semester to another. The system utilizes the Library’s context-sensitive linking application to deliver information about full text availability at the point at which requests are made. Students have access to a simultaneous view of all course reserve formats (in-library reserves, electronic text, audio, and video streaming), and the system embeds links to this view in the Brown course management system. A staff interface allows staff in the Library and in Computing & Information Services to manage course reserves workflow for all formats.
Team
Many staff contributed to the development of OCRA, including:
- Jean Rainwater, Interim Associate University Librarian for Digital Technologies/Head, Integrated Technology Services
- Adam Bradley, Library Programmer
- Laura Stokes, Performing Arts Librarian
- Giovanna Roz Gastaldi, Video Specialist
- Instructional Technology Group, Course Management System
- Rock Reserves Staff
Technical Details
OCRA is a MySQL/PHP application.
Reports and Presentations
- Using SFX in Course Reserves, Ex Libris Users of North America (ELUNA), June 2006, Knoxville, Tennessee
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