The PubMed Central (PMC) website, a vital resource for biomedical literature, has undergone a significant transformation. The new website, available for preview since March 2024, officially launches on October 15, 2024. This comprehensive overhaul aims to enhance user experience, improve accessibility, and streamline navigation.
Key Features of the Update
- Modernized Design: A fresh, intuitive interface simplifies searching and browsing, ensuring a seamless user experience.
- Improved Search Functionality: Enhanced search algorithms and filters facilitate precise article discovery, reducing search time.
- Mobile Optimization: The website is now fully responsive, ensuring effortless access on various devices.
- Accessibility Enhancements: Compliance with Section 508 standards and WCAG 2.1 guidelines ensures equal access for all users.
- Streamlined Navigation: Simplified menus and reduced clutter facilitate effortless exploration.
- Enhanced Article Pages: Clearer formatting, improved figure display, and easier access to supplementary materials.
- Personalization Options: Users can customize their experience with saved searches, alerts, and favourite articles.
- Advanced Filtering: Filter search results by author, journal, publication date, and more.
- Citation and Sharing Tools: Easily share articles, generate citations, and export references.
- Integration with Other NCBI Resources: Seamless links to related databases and tools.
Benefits for Researchers and Authors
1. Faster Discovery: Improved search and filtering enable quicker identification of relevant articles.
2. Simplified Submission: Enhanced manuscript submission process for authors.
3. Increased Visibility: Improved article display and indexing boost discoverability.
4. Better Collaboration: Easier sharing and citation tools facilitate research collaboration.
5. Enhanced Metrics: Track article views, citations, and downloads.
6. Streamlined Peer Review: Improved peer review process for authors and reviewers.
What to Expect During the Transition
- Preview Period: Explore the new website alongside the existing one until October 15.
- Data Migration: Existing user accounts, saved searches, and alerts will transfer seamlessly.
- Support Resources: Dedicated help pages, tutorials, and customer support are available.
- Training Sessions: Webinars and workshops for librarians, researchers, and authors.
Technical Specifications
- Modern, Scalable Architecture
The PMC website’s platform is built on a modern, scalable architecture that ensures high performance and reliability. This design enables the website to handle increased traffic and data growth without compromising speed or functionality. Additionally, the flexible architecture allows for easy maintenance and updates, ensuring the website remains up-to-date with the latest technologies.
- Search Engine Powered by Elasticsearch
The PMC website’s search engine is powered by Elasticsearch, a powerful open-source solution. Elasticsearch provides fast, relevant, and accurate search results, making it easier for users to find specific information. Furthermore, Elasticsearch supports advanced search features such as filtering and faceting, enhancing the overall search experience.
- Content Management with Drupal 9
PMC utilizes Drupal 9, a robust open-source content management system (CMS), to manage its content. Drupal 9 offers flexible content modeling and workflow management, allowing for efficient content creation and publication. Moreover, Drupal 9 integrates seamlessly with other tools and services, streamlining content management processes.
- Accessibility with WCAG 2.1 AA Standards
PMC prioritizes accessibility by meeting the widely-recognized WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This ensures the website’s content is accessible to people with disabilities, featuring keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, high contrast mode, and closed captions. By adhering to these standards, PMC promotes inclusivity and equal access to biomedical research and discovery.
Impact on Biomedical Research
The PMC website update has far-reaching implications for biomedical research:
1. Accelerated Discovery: Enhanced search functionality and filtering enable researchers to quickly identify relevant articles.
2. Improved Collaboration: Simplified sharing and citation tools facilitate research collaboration.
3. Increased Accessibility: Compliance with accessibility standards ensures equal access for all users.
Conclusion
The PMC website update marks a significant step forward in providing an intuitive, accessible, and comprehensive platform for biomedical research. By enhancing user experience and streamlining navigation, PMC reinforces its commitment to facilitating scientific discovery and collaboration.