March/April 2006 Page 2 

OCLC PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: LOCAL HOLDINGS MAINTENANCE

CREATE, MAINTAIN, AND DISPLAY YOUR LIBRARY'S COPY-SPECIFIC HOLDINGS DATA IN WORLDCAT

OCLC Union Listing became OCLC Local Holdings Maintenance the weekend of February 17th.

OCLC migrated Union Listing off the Union List subsystem and at the same time retired Passport for Union List. The enhanced Connexion browser that supports Local Holdings Maintenance became available on Sunday, February 19th.

As part of the migration, OCLC converted the format of its local data records (LDRs) to the MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data. The conversion to the MARC21 Format for Holdings Data will allow OCLC to offer you enhanced services in the areas of Resource Sharing, Collection Development, and discovery services that will take advantage of the holdings that you have entered in WorldCat.

In addition to having the local holdings maintenance functionality added to the Connexion Browser you will also see enhanced features that were not available within the old OCLC Union List service. For example, Constant Data is now available for use with Local Holdings and libraries can now use the Derive command to assist in creating new Local Holdings records.

OCLC Strategic Union List Report

The OCLC Strategic Union List Report gives you a jump start on entering local holdings data by providing a list of serial titles requested from your library via interlibrary loan within the last 18 months. With this report in hand, you can prioritize which serial titles you should add local holdings data to first.

This FREE report is a comma-delimited file that you can import into your favorite spreadsheet or database program. You can access your library's report on the Resource Sharing tab in the OCLC Usage Statistics web site at http://www.stats.oclc.org/cusp/nav.

Union List Discussion List

Join the Listserv for Union List at http://www.oclc.org/oclc/forms/listserv.htm for a discussion list of the latest issues and concerns about Local Holdings Maintenance and event announcements.

NEBASE Training

NEBASE has scheduled on-site workshops on "OCLC Local Holdings Maintenance in the Connexion Browser" to be held in Alliance, Hastings, Lincoln, Norfolk and Omaha.

All on-site sessions will include a lecture and demonstration as well as hands-on time.

To register to attend any of the workshops and to see the full description as well as dates, times and locations of each workshop, please go to:
/netserv/nebase/oclcworkshops.html.

NEBASE has also scheduled an online training session on "OCLC Local Holdings Maintenance in the Connexion Browser" to be held on March 14.

This NEBASE Online Session will include a live presentation, available at no cost, that you will access from your own computer via the Web. Audio will be available via a toll-free telephone conference call. You may ask any questions you have during the session. The session will be recorded for anyone who may want to see it again or who cannot attend it at the scheduled time.

For more information and to register to attend this session, please go to our NEBASE Online Sessions web site at:
/netserv/training/onlinesessions/index.html.

Learn more….

For details about Local Holdings Maintenance, visit the NEBASE website at /netserv/nebase/cataloging.html#LHM, where you will find the following, and more:

• Documentation
  
• Free Online Tutorials
  
• Migration information

Back to Contents
 

OCLC LAUNCHES NEW MAGAZINE, COMMUNITY WEB SITE

NextSpace grew from the OCLC Newsletter and will analyze industry trends and technology developments, as well as feature news about OCLC. The goal is to help member libraries stay informed and make key decisions.

The new community page brings together in one area of the OCLC Web site activities that OCLC undertakes on behalf of, or alongside, the library community, such as standards development, advocacy advertising and member reports. The page also provides a forum for librarians to dialog and comment on OCLC initiatives and general industry issues.

View NextSpace at http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/default.htm.

View community at http://www.oclc.org/community/default.htm.

View forum for discussion at http://www.oclc.org/community/talk/forums/default.htm.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

Back to Contents
 

OCLC WEB INFORMATION SESSIONS

OCLC is offering FREE web information sessions to both OCLC member and nonmember libraries. The sessions will include a live presentation that you will access from your own computer via the web, with audio available via a conference call. You will be able to submit questions you have at any time during the presentation.

Registration information and complete descriptions of the sessions can be found on the OCLC web site at: http://www.oclc.org/education/websessions/usa/.

The following sessions are currently scheduled:

OCLC Contract Cataloging Service - Contract cataloging and physical processing for materials in all bibliographic formats and more than 60 languages.

Thursday, March 16, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (Central Time)
Tuesday, March 21, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. (Central Time)

Cataloging Partners Program - Custom OCLC cataloging from material vendors.

Thursday, March 16, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (Central Time)
Tuesday, March 21, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Central Time)

QuestionPoint -  Learn how with QuestionPoint, any library can offer 24/7 reference service without adding staff

Friday, March 31, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (Central Time)

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission
 

Back to Contents
 

OPEN WORLDCAT CONSOLIDATES DISPLAY OF FORMAT INFORMATION

The display of WorldCat records in the Open WorldCat program has been simplified to help people locate specific versions of a title more quickly. Web users who reach the "Find in a Library" interface from partner search engines now see consolidated results for different formats of a source work.





OCLC has fully applied the FRBR http://www.oclc.org/research/projects/frbr/default.htm conceptual model to the 3-million-record set currently exposed through Yahoo! Search and Google, providing a deeper view of WorldCat and greatly flattened search results.

Someone seeking Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/oclc/41266045 in a library, for example, sees a single Find in a Library record for that work-with all formats listed together under the Editions tab, by order of most widely held-instead of separate records that must be individually evaluated for format.

And after a user has entered a geographic location, the list of nearby libraries that own the work now displays iconic representations of the formats each library owns. (Icons link directly to a library's corresponding catalog record for that format.) In the consolidated record list, users can also limit the display of libraries to just those that own the desired format.




OCLC continues to refine and enhance Open WorldCat so that our member libraries are more visible on the Web, and their collections are more accessible from the sites where many people start their search for information.

Visit the Open WorldCat web site at http://www.oclc.org/worldcat/open/ for more information.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

Back to Contents

UNIQUE USE OF WORLDCAT COLLECTION ANALYSIS

Earlier this year OCLC introduced a new product WorldCat Collection Analysis-an online service that enables librarians to analyze their libraries' collections, compare their collections with those of other libraries, and to do cooperative analysis within groups of libraries.

Recently, Washington University in St. Louis found an inventive way to use Collection Analysis in its preservation efforts. Its library is using this tool to compare its holdings to two of those libraries who are participating in Google's book digitization project. It hopes to identify which items it holds in common with those other libraries and which are unique to its own collection. Its plan is to digitize items from the works it alone holds.

So far, using Collection Analysis has revealed that the other libraries have 700,000 public domain works not in Washington University's collection that will be freely available through Google, 150,000 public domain works in Washington University's collection that would be freely available through Google, and 400,000 Washington University works not held by the two other libraries planning digitization.

According to one Washington University Library spokesperson, the next step is to use Collection Analysis to continue the investigation until they have identified which titles among the 400,000 no other library holds-perhaps 7,000 to 30,000. Those would be the ultimate targets of preservation and digitization.

Mark Wilhelmi
MINITEX
MINITEX/OCLC Mailing, September 2005

Back to Contents

WEBJUNCTION JANUARY/FEBRUARY UPDATE

Check out these new additions to WebJunction, the online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems and take online courses.

Demonstrating Impact 2006: Building Partnerships
Joining with other community organizations with similar goals might be the best way to convince your community of your library's importance. The focus of the 2006 edition of WebJunction's Demonstrating Impact is on the value of teamwork. Go to: http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12377.

Community Partnership Success Stories
WebJunction members and their libraries engage in a wide range of successful partnerships. Everything from Head Start to horticulture can make for great partnerships for your library. The key is that the relationship be mutually beneficial and advance the mission of both partners.
Read some success stories here: http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12433.

WebJunction Community Partnership Discussion
"Getting a Seat at the Community Table" was the focus of a special three-day message board discussion in January, in the "Funding & Advocacy" forum on the All Aboard Discussions on WebJunction.org. Go to: http://www.webjunction.org/forums/category.jspa?categoryID=40.

Aztec (NM) Library is WebJunction January Library of the Month
This library generated interest - and income - for its library by building on a claimed UFO crash in the area in 1948. From an annual "UFO Symposium" to the Alien Run Mountain Bike Competition, the library is in the center of the action. Go to: http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12450.

Got Five Minutes? Start a Blog!
Looking to create a low-maintenance, easily updated web site? In a few minutes you can have a blog up and running, and it might just do the trick.
Visit WebJunction.org to learn more: http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12354. Watch a video: http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12146.

WebJunction February Focus: Space Planning
Is a new library building or renovation in your future? Or are you just feeling the urge to rearrange the furniture? WebJunction guest editor and library space planning expert Linda Demmers of Libris Design pulls together tools and resources that will help you make the best use of that always scarce library resource--floor space. Go to: http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12748.

Jay Johnson Public Library (KS) is WebJunction February Library of the Month
If you think "space planning" means big spending, find out how the Jay Johnson Public Library in rural Kansas doubled its size and added special features-all on a very tight budget. Go to: http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12759.

Resources for Working with Computers and Spanish Speakers
WebJunction's Spanish Language Outreach Program has gathered everything from posters to training materials to help your Spanish-speaking patrons get the full benefit of your public access computers. Go to: http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=7843.

Accessible Technology for All of Us
In an article now available on WebJunction, Sherry E. Gelbwasser shows how adaptive technologies increase computer usability for everyone-not just people with disabilities. Go to: http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12114.

Help WebJunction Improve TechAtlas!
Your real-world experiences in the library trenches can help the WebJunction team improve the TechAtlas suite of technology planning tools. Participate in one of two one-hour technology planning focus groups. Focus group discussions are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, March 7 at 2 p.m. EST/11:00 a.m. PST
  
• Thursday, March 16 at 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST

Back to Contents

OCLC WORLDCAT RESOURCE SHARING TIP: SAVING YOUR AUTHORIZATION NUMBER AND PASSWORD

The ability to save your OCLC ILL authorization number and password has not been implemented in WorldCat Resource Sharing yet. However, you can still have your authorization number and password saved, using your browser options.

In Internet Explorer:

1. Open up the Tools menu and choose Internet Options. Then click on the Content tab.
   
2. Under Personal Information, click the AutoComplete button. In the "Use AutoComplete for" box, check the "User names and passwords on forms" and the "Prompt me to save passwords" boxes.
   
3. Click the OK button until you are out of the Internet Options pop-up.

1. Select Edit>Preferences.
   
2. Under Category, expand Privacy & Security, then select Web Passwords.
   
3. Check "Remember passwords for sites that require me to log in.", then click the OK button.

Now, when you go to a web page where you enter an authorization number and password, after you have typed them in, your browser will ask you if you want to save it. Answer Yes. The next time you go to log into that site, you should only have to enter your authorization number. The password will pop in automatically.

OCLC CONNEXION TIP: CONSTANT DATA CREATION TIPS

Did you know that you can apply blank variable fields and blank subfields using constant data? You can also protect fixed field elements. You may want to try the following tips:

• Enter a few characters in the content area.
  
  
• Type |BLANK| in a field. For subfield(s) you retain, enter the subfield code, a space, a vertical bar character, the word BLANK in upper case, and another vertical bar.
  
  
• Type asterisks (*) in the text box for the fixed field element. Type one asterisk for each character of the element value. Use of * will bypass the existing elements during the constant data application.

Detailed information about constant data creation for client users is available at:
http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/client/cataloging/ constantdata/#cat_cd_create_htm

Connexion browser users may want to look up in "Create a constant data record from a workform"
http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/browser/cataloging/
use_bib_cd/#rc-rec-edit-cd-create

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

Back to Contents

• Logging On
  
• Searching
  
• Creating Policies
  
• Editing Policies
  
• Editing Group Information
  
• Creating Custom Holdings with Advanced Search

The OCLC ILL Policies Directory Quick Reference is available in printed form and also on the Web, at:
http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/resourcesharing/libpolicies/getstart/. 

To request a printed copy of this publication, please send an email message to orders@oclc.org and ask for product code REF1089.

Peter Insabella
Manager, Product Documentation Content
OCLC, Inc.

Back to Contents

VENDOR RECORDS IN WORLDCAT

Many of you have begun seeing records in WorldCat that are contributed by book vendors, and you might be wondering about the quality of these records. Also, 938 fields are now appearing in many records. What is that all about?

OCLC now has a vendor record contribution program. As stated on the Web Site (http://www.oclc.org/vendors/material/contribution/default.htm), OCLC is pursuing working relationships with library material vendors and vendors of bibliographic records in order to enrich the WorldCat database. OCLC is especially interested in the contribution of records pertaining to non-U.S. materials and audiovisual materials.

As to the quality of these records, OCLC database specialists thoroughly evaluate records submitted by vendors. OCLC loads vendor records into WorldCat only if the following conditions apply:

• The records do not match existing records
  
• Fewer than 2% of the records contain machine-detectable errors in MARC coding
  
• Fewer than 20% of the records are duplicate records in WorldCat
  
• The records adhere to U.S. standards for cataloging, including both descriptive cataloging and forms of headings
  
• The records meet OCLC minimum (K-level) standards for completeness
  
• The records are in MARC 21 format

• When a vendor record matches an existing WorldCat record, OCLC adds a vendor-specific 938 field to the master record.
  
• When no single unique match is found, OCLC adds the vendor record as a new record with a 938 field.
  
• In both cases, OCLC sets the vendor's OCLC symbol.

• A 938 field is not added
  
• No OCLC symbol is set

• Subfield ≠a: Full name of vendor.
  
• Subfield ≠b: OCLC-defined identifier for vendor. These identifiers are different from the OCLC institution symbols.
  
• Subfield ≠c: terms of availability (purchase price).
  
• Subfield ≠d: vendor net price.
  
• Subfield ≠l: vendor inventory number. This may be an ISBN.
  
• Subfield ≠n: vendor control number. This is a unique number assigned by the vendor to identify the item for offline ordering.
  
• Subfield ≠s: vendor status. This indicates if the item is back ordered, out-of-print, not yet published, etc.
  
• Subfield ≠z: note. This is a general notes field in which a vendor can include order information specific to the item.

Back to Contents

ATTENTION CURRENT CONTENTdm USERS!

DiMeMa announces the upcoming release of CONTENTdm 4.1, which will be available in late February and is free to all users that have a current Annual Maintenance Agreement.

Update kits will be available for download from DiMeMa's User Support Center, CD copies will also be available by request for those organizations that wish to do a clean install. All primary contracts will be notified when the software is available and notices will also be posted to the CONTENTdm listserv.

Feature Preview
CONTENTdm 4.1 has several new features, a few of which are highlighted below.

• An upgraded image library in the Acquisition Station will provide improved performance and reliability on imaging operations. Import of additional TIFF formats (JPEG, 4-bit and 16-bit) will be supported.
  
• Custom thumbnails can be imported in batch when importing multiple files in the Acquisition Station. This will speed the application of custom thumbnails for non-image collections containing audio, video, or PDF files.
  
• Projects in the Acquisition Station will support HTTPS, enabling users to run CONTENTdm in a secure environment.
  
• IP ranges will be supported when restricting access to collections or items, making assigning permissions more efficient.
  
• An option to suppress individual pages that comprise compound objects from search results will be available. When this option is enabled, a search that identifies matches within pages of compound objects will display only the compound objects rather than individual pages in the results list.
  
• PHP 5.0 will be supported. Users can choose to run CONTENTdm with PHP 4.3 or 5.0.

Back to Contents

N³ (Ncubed) Newsletter is published bimonthly by the Nebraska Library Commission Network Services team. It is the intent of Network Services to promote and support libraries in their cooperative efforts to share resources and information. Circulation: 600. Published on PC software. Editor: Shannon Behrhorst. Word Processing: Jeannette Powell. ISSN 1082-4383 Send mail to: N³ Editor Nebraska Library Commission, The Atrium, 1200 N St., Suite 120, Lincoln, NE, 68508 Phone: 402-471-4031 or 800-307-2665 Fax: 402-471-2083 E-mail: Shannon Behrhorst Home Page: /netserv/netserv.html.