FirstSearch documentation

FirstSearch glossary

Getting started

• Getting started with FirstSearch

  Implementing FirstSearch in your library (overview).

• IP Address Recognition: Getting Started

  Creating links to let your users bypass logon and go directly to FirstSearch from your library's Web site.

• IP Address Recognition for Former RLG Eureka® Users

  Using existing Eureka IP-address recognition components to create links to let your users bypass logon and go directly to FirstSearch from your library's Web site.

• NCIP Access to FirstSearch: Getting Started

  Using the NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol to provide FirstSearch access to your remote users.

• FirstSearch Staff View Basics: an OCLC Tutorial

Learn how to use the FirstSearch Staff View for OCLC Interlibrary Loan (ILL) activities.

Databases

• FirstSearch Databases in Brief

  Selecting FirstSearch databases (lists and summaries of database features). Also in Français, Español. PDF in Français, Español.

• FirstSearch Databases in Detail

  Selecting and using FirstSearch databases (in-depth information).

• FirstSearch Database Producers

  A list of the producers of FirstSearch databases (includes contact information).

Z39.50 access

• FirstSearch Databases Available from OCLC's Z39.50 Server

  Configuring Z39.50 access to FirstSearch (database details).

• Z39.50 Configuration Guide for the OCLC FirstSearch Service

  Connecting an external client to the OCLC FirstSearch Z39.50 server (technical specifications).

• Bath Profile Compliance Checklist

  Current Bath Profile requirements and the corresponding compliance of Z39.50 access to FirstSearch.

• Z39.50 News

  News announcements affecting Z39.50 databases and configurations for FirstSearch.

Using

• OCLC FirstSearch: The Basics [PDF]

  General information on using OCLC FirstSearch, the WorldCat Services Administrative Module, and OCLC Usage Statistics. PDF also available in Español, Français.

• Using OCLC FirstSearch

  Helping your users select databases, search and use search results. Also in Français, Español. PDF in Français, Portuguese, Español.

• Searching WorldCat Indexes (new April 2006)

  Detailed descriptions of WorldCat search indexes, including fields and subfields indexed.

• Expert Searching in WorldCat Indexes
  • Index labels and examples of an expert search in WorldCat
    Summary descriptions of both text string and derived key searching with various limiters; also contains labels for local holdings.
    
    
  • US-MARC fields and subfields in WorldCat FirstSearch indexes
    Summary listing of fields and subfields in WorldCat indexes.
    
    
  • US-MARC fields displayed in a WorldCat Detailed Record
    Summary listing of fields and subfields from which information is drawn for each field in a WorldCat Detailed Record.
    
    
• Using Institution Records (PDF, new July 2007)
  
  Institution Records were added to WorldCat as part of the merger with RLG. This quick reference provides instruction on how to use them in FirstSearch.
  
• focus on Genealogy, a WorldCat Quick Reference Guide [PDF]

Managing

• Managing the OCLC FirstSearch Service

  Planning, setting up and administering FirstSearch in your library.

• Administrative Module Reference Guide

  Customizing FirstSearch for your library's users.

• Administrative Module direct links

  Link directly into specific control panels within the FirstSearch Administrative Module by task.

• Adding Your Library's Logo to FirstSearch

  Instructions for adding your library's logo to the FirstSearch user interface.

• Creating deep links to your library's online catalog (OPAC)

  Let your users link from FirstSearch results directly to a record in your online catalog (OPAC). Also permits people broadly searching the Web via Open WorldCat to deep-link into your catalog.

• Automatic Logon Scripting for FirstSearch

  Setting up FirstSearch so your library's users can bypass the logon screen.

• Controlling FirstSearch Sessions

  Controlling FirstSearch sessions to increase the number of available ports.

• Direct Journal Access to Titles in the FirstSearch Electronic Collections Online Database

  Creating hypertext links on web pages or in catalog records to specific Electronic Collections Online journals.

• Direct Article Access

  Linking your library's web pages to the full text of journal articles in FirstSearch.

• OCLC FirstSearch/ILL Direct Request Link Quick Reference [PDF]

  Quick reference guide to setting up the link that allows end users to generate requests for materials cited in FirstSearch databases

• FirstSearch Per-Article Use Purchase

  Providing access to the full text of journal articles included in FirstSearch, but not covered by your FirstSearch subscription or by other full-text billing methods.

• Values for the dbname or db Component

  Values for setting up links that take users directly to a particular FirstSearch database screen.

• Values for Group Catalog dbname or db Component

  Values for setting up links that take users directly to a particular FirstSearch screen for a Group Union Catalog.

• Values for the Topic Component

  Values for setting up links that take users to specific FirstSearch topic areas.