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Connexion : Overview

Overview

Connexion is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool that lets you perform original and copy cataloging with WorldCat, the world's most comprehensive bibliographic database and the core of the OCLC cooperative. Catalog in Connexion and you contribute and receive quality records that help information seekers find what they need quickly. Connexion gives you a choice of interface: an easy-to-learn Web interface and a Windows-based client interface.

Behind it, the power of WorldCat

From basic copy cataloging to full original cataloging, Connexion integrates your cataloging with WorldCat, the world’s most comprehensive database of bibliographic and library ownership information. WorldCat saves catalogers time by aggregating knowledge and eliminating duplication of effort. Its encyclopedic coverage lets the average OCLC library copy-catalog 95 percent of its resources.

WorldCat includes records for more than 400 languages, written in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Cyrillic, Devanagari, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Tamil and Thai scripts. Each script includes multiple languages. For example: the Arabic script includes Arabic, Persian and Urdu; the Cyrillic script includes Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian; and the Latin script includes English, French, Spanish and German.

Accurate holdings information you maintain with Connexion helps Web searchers everywhere find your library and the things you own through WorldCat.org. WorldCat holdings also help you to analyze your collection and compare it to others, using the WorldCat Collection Analysis service and help thousands of libraries keep materials moving through the WorldCat Resource Sharing system.

Works with your existing process

Different libraries work in different ways, so Connexion adapts to your workflow and specific needs. You can work in either of two customizable interfaces: an easily-accessed Web browser, or a Windows-based client with powerful features, including macros. Interactive tutorials and context-sensitive help make both interfaces very easy to learn and use.

The timesaving features you want

Whether you are searching WorldCat, editing records or exporting records to your local system, Connexion can help. Catalogers using Connexion find it to be a powerful, flexible suite of tools and services.

Searching

Flexible searching

Use derived, numeric and phrase options in more than 90 indexes of Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Cyrillic, Devanagari, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Tamil and Thai script data. Drop-down menus list available indexes, eliminating the need to memorize index labels. Experts can search via a commandline using index labels and search strings.

Fast access to institutional names

In Connexion’s holdings and cataloging source (040 field) displays, simply hold your mouse pointer over an institutional symbol to view its full name.

Creating and editing

Constant data

Store and apply custom templates consisting of text or data values to ensure speed and consistency in record editing.

Dynamic authority control

Search headings in a bibliographic record with a single click, and link headings to associated authority records. Bibliographic records are automatically updated if authority records are changed.

Save File

Save records in process, and search your save file using various indexes. Set a status on your in-process records to locate them quickly and search the file using indexes.

Label printing

View, edit and print labels directly from displayed bibliographic records.

Record creation

Create records in one of three ways:

  1. derive a new record from an existing record and modify content;
  2. enter content for each field in a blank workform; or
  3. begin with fields extracted or generated from an electronic resource.

Downloading

Record export options

Download records to your local system using one of several methods. Find the latest information on schemas and character sets supported.

A choice of interface

You can pick the interface that best meets your needs. The Web-based browser is easy to learn and use, and the Windows-based client provides additional power and flexibility. Choose the interface that best meets your needs.

Browser

With no software to install and always up-to-date features, the browser ensures maintenance-free reliability and accessibility from any Web-enabled workstation. There are no commands to learn, and embedded tips guide less-experienced users. Most actions have preset keyboard shortcuts. Choose the browser if: You want a browser-based interface that requires no special software to install and accessibility from any Web-enabled PC.

Client

The Windows software features productivity-boosting enhancements such as macros, complete keyboard customization, batch processing and offline functionality. The Connexion client supports Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Cyrillic, Devanagari, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Tamil and Thai scripts with interface language choices of Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.

Choose the client if: You want a Windows-based interface. You must download and install the Connexion client software.

Expand with powerful add-on services

Add other OCLC services, including WebDewey, the Web-based version of the Dewey Decimal Classification system; the OCLC Digital Archive, which offers preservation, management and secure sharing of your digital collections; and WorldCat Selection, which allows selectors to view records from multiple sources in one system. These services appear as additional tabs within the Connexion browser interface.

Local holdings maintenance

Maintain local holdings in the MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data using the Connexion browser interface.

It's easy to get started

You can get going on Connexion quickly with little training—tutorials and built-in help let you learn as you go. Consistent presentation lets you move smoothly between the Connexion browser and client.