Can you give me any helpful hints regarding the new user notes feature? 

On December 16, 2001, we installed a user notes feature in WebDewey for the first time.  The feature works the same in both WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey.  However, there are some differences in the way it functions for single users versus site license users. 

Because a single user subscription allows only one user of WebDewey, single users can make only one type of note: personal.  Two types of notes are available to site license subscribers: personal and institution.  Personal notes are tied to an individual user's authorization number and can only be viewed by that individual user; institution notes are tied to your three- or five-character OCLC symbol and are shared by all WebDewey users at your institution. 

Elements of the user notes feature can be customized to suit your preferences.  On the navigation bar at the left-hand side of the screen, click General, then Administration, then Display/Update WebDewey Options.  The first option under the User Notes Options section of the screen, "User Notes on Navigation Bar," allows you to decide whether you would prefer not to have access to the User Notes feature available at all.  The default is "Show User Notes," which means that you have access to the feature. 

The second option, "User Notes in a WebDewey Record," relates to whether you want to see your notes displayed when you view a WebDewey record.  If you want to see them displayed, this option also allows site license users to choose whether you want both personal and institution notes to display, or if you would like only one type or the other to display. 

The third option applies only to site license users.  This option refers to user note creation and allows you to indicate how you would like the type of note field to be filled in by default, as personal or institution.  At present you have to visit this options page and indicate your preference to get a default type to take effect; however, on January 27, when we do monthly system maintenance, we will be making personal the default for this option.  Thereafter you need visit the options page only if you want to change the default. 

Reminder: Depending on the button you select at the bottom of the options page, options are saved either for the current session only or as a default. 

This is a complex feature that will evolve based on your feedback.  Questions on other aspects of user notes will be addressed in future tips of the week.  Please feel free to address questions and requests for enhancements to DeweyLicensing@oclc.org. 

Last revised: 31 January 2004