Life of a Sentient Search Engine

For Thing #19 of CML’s Learn and Play initiative, I played around with the Library Toolbar. As a general rule, I am not a big fan of toolbars as they clutter the screen. Everyone seems to have one and push theirs, so that if one isn’t vigilant, you end up with a browser that is more toolbar that web page. Nevertheless, I find I am impressed with CML’s. It really puts all the high use material from our website within easy reach.

I love the fact that the search box:

• can be populated by highlighting text in the browser
• provides access to the premium resources
• provides access to other useful services like dictionary search and news search.

The other areas are great too! My only real gripe with it is that there is no way to get the toolbar to remember your card # and pin. This would make the “My Account” button really stand out as a tremendous convinience.

I’m not likely to leave this installed on my browser at home (I did say I hate screen clutter), but I’m very happy its a solid product for those inclined to use it. CML’s virtual users are likely to be able to get a lot of constructive use out of it!