OCLC PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Windows orWeb? Choice is a great thing

By Brad Gauder

To help improve cataloging productivity, OCLC introduced its Connexion suite of integrated cataloging tools in June 2002. Catalogers and other library staff use Connexion to create and edit high-quality bibliographic records and authority records via a flexible suite of tools that offer built-in access to WorldCat. A new client version of Connexion provides powerful tools and enhanced customization.

In its original release, Connexion was offered as a browser for cataloging in the Web environment. However, many catalogers and library staff who use OCLC’s cataloging services prefer to work in the Windows environment using more powerful cataloging tools. To meet their needs, OCLC recently added the Connexion client. Version 1.10, which was introduced March 30, 2004, is available at no charge for download from the OCLC Web site.

Connexion client 1.10 was developed with OCLC Passport users in mind. Several years ago OCLC announced its long-range intentions to retire (or “sunset”) Passport software, which offers online access to OCLC’s cataloging, interlibrary loan and union list services. While no sunset date has been announced yet for the Passport cataloging software, Connexion client 1.10 adds more functionality to support user migration from Passport to Connexion.

According to David Whitehair, Connexion Client Product Manager, OCLC understands that the migration of cataloging workflows from one platform to another isn’t an overnight process. “We’ve included a lot of new functionality in version 1.10 that will help cataloging staff along in their migration to Connexion,” he says. “The Connexion client offers a lot of familiarity in their workflows as they move from Passport to Connexion.”

Thirteen libraries around the world and OCLC regional service providers field-tested the software and supporting documentation for three weeks in March. “This gives OCLC an opportunity to gather valuable input on the current functionality and learn what enhancements our users would like to see in future releases,” says Mr.Whitehair.

Highlights of Connexion client 1.10 include:

• Editing records: Users can determine an institution name without searching the Name Address Directory or list of Participating Institutions. They can also import records they create in their local systems for addition to WorldCat, and import records from other OCLC services to review and edit before exporting to their local systems.

• Macros: New macro commands provide more functionality for both recording and writing macros; and it’s now possible for a user to record a macro without knowing how to write one manually.

• Bibliographic save file and constant data: Users can combine two separate actions into one by saving records online directly from the “Set Status” dialogue. They can also define a default “My Status” to automatically populate that information in each record, and save keystrokes by entering record names, which automatically applies constant data.

• Authority save file and constant data: Records in process can now be stored using the authority save file. Constant data can be used to create, store and access constant data records. These new features point to planned NACO functionality in a future release of the Connexion client.

Bibliographic record displayed in the client. In this record, the heading “Macmillan Company” is a hotlink to the authority record. A user can click the link to go directly to the authority record. If this heading changes in the authority record, Connexion automatically updates the heading in the bibliographic record.

While the Connexion client is designed to improve workflows and enhance cataloging staff productivity, it’s also a platform for future growth. “The Passport software OCLC introduced in the early 1990s isn’t sustainable in the long run,” says Marty Withrow, Director of Product Development and Project Sponsor. “We want our users’ migration to be as simple as possible, and we think giving them familiar tools within the newer Connexion interface will help that to happen.”

Though version 1.1 is still new, development of version 1.2 is under way already, according to Mr. Whitehair, while version 1.3 and beyond are in the investigation stage. More details are available at www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/ enhancements/future.htm.

“Connexion is a very dynamic, ongoing platform,” says Mr. Whitehair. “Our work on it is never done.”

Connexion tools in use

Field test yields pleasant discovery

I was a field tester for the client version of Connexion and I expected that I would complete the test and return to using the browser. Well, I find that the client is indeed very nice to work with. One feature I like is the ability to move fields up and down very easily. The <alt> key plus the <up> or <down> arrow will move the highlighted field immediately. I find this very handy for
errant subject fields.

Mary T. Kalnin, Library Specialist II
University of Washington Libraries
Seattle, Washington

Working more efficiently than before

Here are some of my favorite features in the client:

• When viewing an authority record, it is so helpful to be able to get online help/descriptions for a field or tag by clicking on it.

• When browsing an index and viewing individual authority records, it’s so fast to move between the displays by using the “next window” feature.

• Best of all, when headings in a bibliographic record are controlled and linked to authority records, there is less work for us to do inhouse. When the authority record changes, linked bib records will be updated so we won’t be downloading outdated headings. We also save time by identifying a heading problem at the time of cataloging.

Barbara Kriigel, Associate Director, Circulation
Audiovisual & Technical Services
University of Michigan–Dearborn, Mardigian Library

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