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Connexion works with you

Librarians appreciate the flexibility and function of Connexion. Whether using the browser or client, Connexion adapts to and complements workflow. A few examples from the real world:

Familiar methods

"I like Connexion very much," says Mary T. Kalnin, an original cataloger with the University of Washington Libraries in Seattle. "[It's] quite easy to use."

Kalnin has worked with the Connexion browser since it was introduced in July 2002. "Just as in Passport or CatME, you get a rhythm and method of operating. Once you have the method you prefer down, then it's just a matter of working with it."

She says she likes the way Connexion lets her work the way she wants to work. "I do authority searching first, even though in either version of Connexion [browser or client], the controlling mechanism allows more freedom in that area. But that's the way I work—I'm used to it and I can make time doing it." Because the browser supports NACO work, she adds, "I generate whatever authorities I need right there and then."

For those who catalog e-resources, Kalnin shares a tip: the Connexion browser contains a harvester which finds the resource on the Web, displays it and creates a preliminary record. Kalnin says it's another way Connexion saves her time.

Value-added features

"I appreciate the many value-added features Connexion offers over Passport," says Leila Mestrits, Senior Cataloging Librarian for the University of Miami Law Library in Coral Gables, Fla. While Passport served her library well for many years, Mestrits believes new catalogers will share her preference for Connexion. "It's much more intuitive and the finished record is more likely to be error free," she says. "Think of the savings in training time, review and revision—and error reduction."

Mestrits, like many catalogers, understands how some large cataloging departments may fear an initial drop in production rates when transitioning to a new tool. "But there are compensating tradeoffs which will accrue," she adds. "I sympathize with those who are reluctant to give up a favorite workhorse, but OCLC has taken a bold step to give us a product which will ultimately make our jobs easier."

Ongoing support and training

JoAnn Oliver is a new Connexion user and has been very pleased with the results. "I've been using it for the past month and I love it. It is very simple to use, the hits are good and your search options are far reaching."

Oliver, who handles electronic resources and serials cataloging for the John M. Pfau Library at Cal State University in San Bernardino, encourages librarians to seek workshops and training to see first hand how Connexion can improve cataloging workflow. "Change is always something people fear. I appreciate the way OCLC responds to people so quickly on the listserve."

Changing with the times

"The important thing to remember, I think, is that we must all change with the times." Dustin Larmore of the Karl E. Mundt Library of Dakota State University makes this wise pronouncement when considering how librarians' work continually evolves and that "... changing to provide everyone with one platform from which to work" will be " ... a great improvement over the previous services."

Dustin uses Connexion exclusively when he does NACO work, and says "Connexion is not that dependent on the mouse. If you learn the shortcut keys, you can do almost all the most frequently used functions."

Top 10 reasons one library loves Connexion

"I love using Connexion Client for my authority work!" raves Barbara Kriigel of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Mardigian Library. She's such a fan, in fact, that she provided OCLC with her personal Top 10 reasons why she looks forward to working with Connexion every day.

  1. I routinely search and download authority records for new headings added to our database. I'm able to perform this work faster and more efficiently than I could in Passport.
  2. I can set the software so my previous search is retained in the search box. This is wonderful for those times when I'm searching similar names/subjects or when I make a typo. I can easily edit and re-execute a search without having to re-type it, particularly useful when the search string is long! Previous searches are also retained, a helpful feature if I need to view an authority record a second time.
  3. I love being able to hit the <Enter> key to execute the search.
  4. 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. I don't have to go find the paper manual to get an explanation for a tag I seldom use.
  5. When browsing an index and viewing individual authority records, it's so fast to move between the displays by using the "next window" feature. This is much faster than what I used to do on Passport.
  6. To facilitate downloading into our system, I sometimes have to add a 949 line. In Passport I had to "unedit" the authority record before typing my next search but in Connexion no "unedit" command is needed, saving me time.
  7. Viewing records in Connexion is easier since tags, indicators, and text are in individual boxes.
  8. Best of all is that when headings in a bibliographic record we want to use for cataloging are controlled and linked to authority records, there is less work for us to do in-house. 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.
  9. When browsing the subject index, subdivisions are included in the initial display so I can easily see if there is an authority record for the specific subject heading I'm searching.
  10. I like having keystroke equivalents as well as mouse commands. That way, I can use whatever is easiest at a particular moment.

Case studies

Want to tell you own story? Send it to Connexion-testimonials@oclc.org.