Background
The UNC Library offers their users an ever-expanding collection of electronic indexes and databases. This collection is currently listed on the Library's Web page in both an alphabetical list and a broad subject list. While the list of indexes and databases is database-driven, the information provided by the Library is limited and does not include a key piece of information that most users want - whether or not the database includes full-text articles, documents, or text. Another important piece of information is the availability of the index or databases outside of the library, or more specifically outside the campus. While the library does provide this information, it is presented in a manner that is text heavy and difficult for users to quickly scan.

RAVE displays the Library's collection in a more direct and user-friendly manner. The collection currently includes close to 400 different information resources. Researchers, whether they are students or faculty, have a limited amount of time in which to find the information they need. Yet it is almost impossible for a researcher to keep pace with the new online tools available to them. This also becomes an issue for the library. The library invests a significant amount of its budget on electronic resources. If researchers don't know the resources exist, they will not use them. This amounts to money wasted for the library. The RAVE interface enables researchers to preview the collection then access the resources they need most.

One of the benefits of using the RAVE interface is that it allows users to select more than one category or attribute. This is especially important to users whose research crosses disciplines. It also provides for a "fisheye" view (Furnas, 1986) of the collection. Researchers can view indexes and databases in their area, then expand out using other categories, including General & Multidisciplinary.