The use of AJAX in searching a bibliographic database A case study of the Italian Biblioteche oggi database Piero Cavaleri Mario Rostoni Library, Universita ` Carlo Cattaneo LIUC, Castellanza, Italy Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of AJAX for searching the Biblioteche Oggi database of bibliographic records. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a demonstration of how bibliographic database single page interfaces allow the implementation of more user-friendly features for social and collaborative tasks. Findings – AJAX is an important technique in Web 2.0. It allows the development of rich internet applications that use only one web page. Using AJAX it is possible to improve a bibliographic database’s user interface. Thanks to this technology, bibliographic applications will be more flexible for updating and formatting information, simpler in managing session history, and easier for saving data modified by users. Usability tests demonstrated that users have appreciated the new interface, but accessibility remains a problem. Originality/value – The paper highlights the use of a Web 2.0 tool for a relevant application in the library/information world. Keywords Italy, Bibliographic systems, Bibliographies, Online databases, Information retrieval Paper type Case study 1. Introduction to AJAX AJAX is considered one of the main tools in the development of Web 2.0 applications. AJAX-based applications can be defined as “rich applications”. In fact, from a user point of view, AJAX interfaces offer a more satisfactory experience than standard web applications. Information displayed on a page is modified in a fluid way, without having to load a new page. Users do not have to wait for a new page, as everything happens as if the program were stand-alone. Ultimately this behaviour results in a sense of effortlessness and the responses to actions become direct and natural: A variety of technology are lining up to fill the gap [of classical web applications] with richer, smarter or otherwise improved clients. Ajax is able to deliver this better, smarter richness using only technologies that are already installed on the majority of modern computers (Crane et al., 2005). Some big web players, such as Google, use AJAX for popular services (such as Gmail or Google Maps) that are targeted at millions of users. Gmail, for example, uses AJAX techniques every time the user sends or saves an e-mail. All this happens in the background and the page never changes. In Google Maps, map tiles are updated using background requests for new data which contain image references. Such a broad and relevant range of applications allows us to think about AJAX with confidence: The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/0033-0337.htm The use of AJAX 275 Received 15 February 2008 Revised 12 March 2008 Accepted 28 March 2008 Program: electronic library and information systems Vol. 42 No. 3, 2008 pp. 275-285 q Emerald Group Publishing Limited 0033-0337 DOI 10.1108/00330330810892686