September/October 2003 Page 2 

OCLC PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION

DDC 22 PRINT VERSION AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER

Every seven years, a new print edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification is published. The new edition, DDC 22, is coming this September. The 14th edition of Abridged Dewey is scheduled for release in January 2004.

DDC 22 reflects user suggestions as well as worldwide changes in areas such as technology, medicine, geography and politics since publication of the 21st edition in 1996. It provides the most updated view of the Dewey classification and is available in both print and Web versions to fit your preferences.

DDC 22 features:

• Many new numbers and topics
  
• Significant updates to several schedules, including 004-006 Computer science, 200 Religion, 305-306 Social groups and institutions, 340 Law, 510 Mathematics, and 610 Medicine and health
  
• A streamlined Manual and the replacement of Table 7 with direct use of notation already available elsewhere in the DDC

• An easy-to-use, browser-based interface that allows you to search the DDC (and related terminology) efficiently and navigate intuitively
  
• Thousands of Relative Index terms and built numbers not available in the print DDC
  
• Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) that have been intellectually mapped to Dewey headings by DDC editors
  
• Selected LCSH mappings from the new OCLC Forest Press publication, People, Places & Things
  
• LCSH that have been statistically mapped to Dewey numbers from records in WorldCat (the OCLC Online Union Catalog)
  
• Links from mapped LCSH to the LCSH authority records
  
• Quarterly updates, incorporating the latest changes to the Classification and new LCSH mappings, index terms, and built numbers
  
• An annotation capability, which allows you to add your own notes into WebDewey to reflect local classification practices

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HELP SHAPE OCLC'S DIRECTION

Take a look at the OCLC Members Council Annual Plan for 2003-2004 at <http://www.oclc.info/oclc/uc/may03/AnnualPlan03-04_Final.pdf>.

Prepared by the Members Council Executive Committee at the beginning of each Council year, the eight-page plan includes proposed questions and objectives for each meeting as well as related activities and deliberations.

As one of two governance bodies representing the OCLC global cooperative, Members Council helps shape the direction of OCLC and libraries by serving as a key strategic discussion forum and the major communications link among member libraries, network and service centers, delegates, the Board of Trustees and OCLC management.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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OCLC CUSTOMER SUPPORT CHANGES

OCLC User & Network Support (UNS) has changed its name to the OCLC Customer Support Department (CSD). In addition, CSD stopped providing Saturday on-site support with the start of the new fiscal year, July 1. No change was made to support hours during the typical business week. Customer support staff are onsite Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Central Time.

In recent years, demand for weekend support has steadily declined. On average, Customer Support received just under one call each Saturday. Based on this very low need, coupled with a desire to keep costs down for OCLC's customer community, OCLC determined that having a CSD presence on Saturdays no longer represents a significant benefit.

Callers on Saturdays, Sundays and after our business hours, are invited to leave a message for callback on the next business day. Callers may also press option 1 if they are unable to connect to our services; this results in a transfer to OCLC's telephone operator. The operator is able to contact OCLC computer operations and support staff, who may then address OCLC system problems.

On an ongoing basis, OCLC will monitor the number of calls received by the Customer Support telephone system on Saturdays. This will help ensure a continuing awareness of the situation.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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OCLC DOCUMENTATION DISTRIBUTION POLICY CHANGES

OCLC's Documentation Department strives to provide superior document support services. In recent years, OCLC's Documentation Department has made changes in our policies regarding printed documentation in order to bring you the latest information in the most easy-to-use formats. These changes include:

• Providing reference cards for all our major products and services. You told us that reference cards provide the most essential information on a given service in a format that's handy and easy to use.
  
• Offering user manuals and reference cards electronically via the Web. Electronic documents can be updated in real time, making it possible to deliver the most accurate, most up-to-date documentation and training materials. We have modified the format and presentation of our documentation to allow for better electronic viewing and quick self-printing.

• Bibliographic Formats and Standards
  
• Authorities User Guide
  
• Searching WorldCat User Guide

• Your institution name and contact person
  
• Billing information (if the item is billable)
  
• Your mailing address
  
• The title of the documentation item(s) and their product codes (e.g.,MAN 8079, REF2083)
  
• Number of copies requested

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OCLC NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW ELECTRONIC EDITION

The OCLC Newsletter, OCLC's quarterly membership publication, debuts this issue in a new Web-based format. Now, if you prefer, you can read the Newsletter on your computer with the convenience, speed and searching capabilities that the HTML digital format provides. The Newsletter will still be published and distributed in print format.

The OCLC Newsletter has been published continuously since 1967. Its first editor was Frederick G. Kilgour, OCLC's founder and first president.

Read the July 2003 OCLC Newsletter at <http://www.oclc.org/news/e-newsletter/n261/default.htm>.

Find the Newsletter Archive at <http://www.oclc.org/news/newsletter/>.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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WEBJUNCTION VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE

Support public access computing by joining WebJunction, a new online community of libraries and other agencies sharing knowledge and experience to provide the broadest public access to information technology. View this six-minute video from the WebJunction Home Page at <http://www.webjunction.org> (scroll down to Launch Announcement) or order it online to learn how WebJunction was formed and how it can help you.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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USE OCLC'S FREE ONLINE TUTORIALS IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIBRARY

Are you unable to attend a scheduled NEBASE workshop? Would you like to brush up on your OCLC searching, cataloging or interlibrary loan skills? Do you have a new staff member to train? Would you like to see an OCLC product in action before making a purchasing decision? Tutorials, lessons, guided tours, and demonstrations for many OCLC products and services can be found on the OCLC Training web site at <http://www.oclc.org/support/training/>.

Using OCLC Connexion Browser: An OCLC Tutorial has been revised to incorporate February's enhancements for controlling headings, using diacritics and special characters and using constant data. In addition to learning about these enhancements, this tutorial introduces the Connexion browser and offers a workflow-oriented approach to searching and cataloging. Review pages, located throughout the tutorial, can be printed for use with online practice or as job-aids.

Using OCLC CatExpress in Connexion: An OCLC Tutorial provides a simulation of the CatExpress service, a web-based tool for inexpensive and easy copy cataloging. The course includes exercises in searching, adding local information, setting holdings, and downloading records. It takes the learner through the basic steps of CatExpress from start to finish and mirrors the simplicity of the product itself.

Using the OCLC Interlibrary Loan Web Interface: An OCLC Tutorial is available in two versions, one for current users and one for new users of OCLC ILL. The tutorials use interactive screen shots to teach basic and advanced features of the ILL Web Interface.

Using WebDewey: An OCLC Tutorial can be used to learn how to make the most effective use of WebDewey or to preview WebDewey before subscribing. This tutorial introduces you to searching and browsing, teaches you how to create user notes, and shows you how to build numbers accurately and efficiently with WebDewey.

Go to the Cataloging Micro Enhancer Learning and Teaching web site to learn what CatME can do for your library. The OCLC CatME Guided Tour provides screen graphics to illustrate system features and functions. Learning to Use OCLC CatME for Windows includes lessons that may be used as learning guides or review tools.

Searching WorldCat: An OCLC Tutorial uses hands-on exercises to teach searching strategies and techniques in a self-paced, offline environment. Use this tutorial to become a more efficient searcher of WorldCat records from the OCLC Cataloging, Interlibrary Loan, Selection, and Union List services.

Using Interlibrary Loan: An OCLC Tutorial contains self-paced training materials that teach the main functions of the OCLC borrowing and lending cycle as well as general ILL concepts. In the easy-to-use Windows environment, users get practical, hands-on information through system simulation and practice exercises. Other topics include OCLC ILL Custom Holdings, multiple constant data, "Reasons for saying No," and OCLC ILL Direct Requests.

Training materials are also available on the OCLC Training web site for OCLC FirstSearch, Pathfinders, and MARC Tagging.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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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: <http://www.oclc.org/events/websessions/>. The following sessions are currently scheduled:

OCLC Language Sets
Learn How To Develop Your Non-English Collections Affordably

Wednesday, Sept. 17 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (CDT)

QuestionPoint
Make Digital Reference a Reality for Your Library

Thursday, Sept. 4 1:30 -2:30 p.m. (CDT)
Thursday, October 9 1:30 -2:30 p.m. (CDT

OCLC Custom Cataloging
Learn How To Give Your Patrons Improved Access To Your Entire Collection

Tuesday, October 23 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (CDT)

Automated Collection Assessment and Analysis Service (OCLC ACAS)
Learn how collection analysis can help your library

Thursday, Sept. 25 12:00 -1:00 p.m. (CDT)

OCLC MARC Record Service (OCLC MARS(r))
Enhance Your Collection's Accessibility

Thursday, Sept. 25 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (CDT)

OCLC ILLiad
See all the new enhancements to OCLC ILLiad and learn how you can improve your library's ILL efficiency with OCLC ILLiad

Thursday, Sept. 4 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (CDT)
Thursday, October 9 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (CDT)

OCLC Digital Archive
Preserve, Manage and Access Your Digital Collections with the OCLC Digital Archive

Thursday, Sept. 18 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. (CDT)

OCLC CONTENTdm Software Suite
Managing Your Digital Library

Thursday, Sept. 18 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (CDT)

OCLC Digital & Preservation Resources
Digitizing your Historic Newspapers

Thursday, Sept. 18 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (CDT)

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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MISSED ALA? VIEW THESE PRESENTATIONS FOR UPDATES ON OCLC SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Learn what's new at OCLC by downloading the slides and text from the OCLC Update Breakfast at ALA in Toronto.

Presented by Jay Jordan, OCLC President and CEO; and George Needham, OCLC Vice President of Member Services, these slide shows give you the latest information on OCLC programs and services, including updates on e-books, virtual reference, digitization and WorldCat enhancements.

View the presentations at <http://www.oclc.org/oclc/uc/other/index.htm>.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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REPORT FROM MAY OCLC MEMBERS COUNCIL MEETING

Presentations and minutes from both the general session as well as the library group and interest group discussions are now available on the OCLC Web site. In addition, a web cast featuring the reports from Members Council President Kristin Senecal, OCLC Board Chair Bill Crowe and OCLC President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Jordan is available for viewing.

OCLC Members Council Meetings web site: <http://www.oclc.org/oclc/uc/meet.htm>.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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NEW MINDLEADERS ONLINE COURSES AVAILABLE THROUGH OCLC INSTITUTE

In July, the OCLC Institute added several new online courses from MindLeaders, a leading provider of e-learning courses to librarians and information professionals via industry-standard Web browsers.

The new courses made available in each course group are:

• Technical General Group:
  • Oracle 9i Fundamentals I (Helps in preparing for Oracle exam 1Z0-031)
    
  • Linux LPIC Level 1 (Helps in preparing for Linux Professional Institute Certification)
  • CompTIA Network+ (Helps in preparing for Network+ exam)
     
• Technical MCSE Group:
  • Microsoft Windows XP (Helps in preparing for Microsoft exam 70-270)
    
  • Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server (Helps in preparing for Microsoft exam 70-224)
  
  
• Technical Web Development Group:
  
  • Java (Helps in preparing for Sun Exam 310-025)
    
  • Java 2 Enterprise Architecture (Helps in preparing for the Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for J2EE Technology Exam 310-051)

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FIRSTSEARCH CUSTOMIZING TIP: SETTING UP THE RESOURCE SHARING STAFF INTERFACE IN FIRSTSEARCH

Did you know that in addition to using FirstSearch to search for materials, interlibrary loan staff can now use FirstSearch to:

• display holdings and enter lender strings
  
• enter shipping, billing information and borrowing notes and
  
• send requests for those materials through to OCLC ILL?

• Work with your ILL staff to obtain the ILL authorization numbers most commonly used by your ILL department. Multiple ILL authorization numbers can be affiliated with one FirstSearch account.
  
• Ask your ILL staff to provide you with appropriate information for constant data, this may include shipping and billing information and borrowing notes

• click on this link: <http://firstsearch.oclc.org/admin?firstpg=ILLStaffAutho>
  
• enter your FirstSearch administrative authorization and password on the administrative module login screen

• Enter an ILL authorization number in the Authorization box and click Add
  
• Repeat for any additional ILL authorization numbers your ILL staff would like added to this FirstSearch authorization
  
• Click "Save Changes"

• Click on the tab that says Borrowing Constant Data
  
• Enter the data provided by your ILL staff, which may include shipping and billing information and borrowing notes

• Through the regular FirstSearch logon page, using their ILL authorization and password at <http://firstsearch.oclc.org>
  
• Or from within an active FirstSearch session, by clicking on the Staff Resource Sharing view link

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OCLC FIRSTSEARCH SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS

This article includes information for library staff in reference, interlibrary loan, collection development and systems.

Please contact NEBASE, 402-471-3107 or 800-307-2665, or OCLC User and Network Support. 800-848-5800 or <support@oclc.org>, with questions about these enhancements to the OCLC FirstSearch service.

JULY 2003 ENHANCEMENTS

FIRSTSEARCH FUNCTIONALITY AND INTERFACE

FirstSearch User Interface Changes
As previously announced, the OCLC FirstSearch service user interface now has a new, updated appearance. The changes will improve navigation, provide more customization options, and give FirstSearch a similar look to other OCLC products and services.

FIRSTSEARCH CUSTOMIZATION (Administrative Module)

New User Interface Customization Options
The expanded Interface Display-Your Library Settings-Your Library screen in the FirstSearch administrative module allows libraries to display two logos or images and text names of their choice on the search interface. Librarians can select from one of four pre-defined color palettes or designate their own custom colors on the new User Interface Colors screen that has been added under Your Library Settings.

FIRSTSEARCH CONTENT

Forty-two Journals Added to OCLC FirstSearch Electronic Collections Online
Forty-two new journals from thirteen publishers were added to OCLC FirstSearch Electronic Collections Online, bringing the online total to 4,637 journals available. The new titles and their ISSNs are available at <http://www2.oclc.org/oclc/fseco/index.asp>.

"Hot Topics" in PAIS International
The PAIS International database on FirstSearch now features a box labeled PAIS Hot Topics at the top of the basic and advanced search screens from which users can view a pull down menu of current, popular search topics. Selecting any of the topics from the menu will generate a search on that topic. When a user launches a search from this list, their account is charged one search, which will result in a charge for per-search users and in statistical tracking for subscription users. Complete terms and search structure are displayed with the search results, as with other searches on FirstSearch. Hot Topics will provide library users with a quick and efficient means to retrieve relevant results on topics that would have otherwise taken several searches and additional time to perform.

Cited References In PsycINFO, PsycFIRST and PsycARTICLES
Users of the PsycINFO, PsycFIRST and PsycARTICLES databases on OCLC FirstSearch now have the option to display or hide the Cited References in the detailed record for the citations they view, export or print. This enhancement, made in response to several requests from libraries, allows users the option to display Cited References by clicking on the "Show Cited References" link in the Cited References field of the detailed record. When this option is selected, cited references display for all the citations the user elects to view, export or print. Users can elect to turn off the display of Cited References by clicking on the "Hide Cited References" link in the detailed record.

Thesaurus added to GeoRefS
OCLC has added the GeoRef Thesaurus to the GeoRefS database in FirstSearch. The Thesaurus is a guide to the index terms used in GeoRefS and contains more than 21,000 terms. It includes broader, narrower and related terms as well as scope notes, map coordinates for place names and the hierarchies as they are in the print version.

DataTimes, Ethnic NewsWatch and GenderWatch Discontinued
As announced earlier, the DataTimes, Ethnic NewsWatch and GenderWatch databases have been discontinued on the OCLC FirstSearch service.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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OCLC ILL POLICIES DIRECTORY

The Name Address Directory no longer stores ILL policies information as of August 24, 2003.

OCLC encourages you to enter your library's policy information into the ILL Policies Directory as soon as possible so this important information remains available to your borrowing partners.

There are two ways you can access the new ILL Policies Directory to enter your library's information:

1. You can go straight to the Directory at <http://illpolicies.oclc.org>. Log on using your ILL Authorization number and Password.
   
   OR
   
   
2. You can log on to the OCLC ILL Web interface at <http://illweb.oclc.org> and click on the Policies Directory link at the top of the screen. This will launch the Directory in a new browser window. Close the ILL Web interface window in order to make changes to your Policies Directory record without incurring Access and User Support Fees.

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CATEXPRESS MONTHLY TRANSACTION REPORTS

Are you wondering how many titles you have left in your CatExpress subscription? Do you need accurate statistics on your cataloging activity? The OCLC CatExpress Monthly Transaction Reports have what you need.

Every month OCLC mounts Monthly Transaction Reports detailing your library's CatExpress cataloging activity on the Product Services Web. The Reports list transactions for the current month's activity and year-to-date activity. Year-to-date activity is for the current subscription year - July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004. Reports remain available for 90 days. There is no extra cost to access the Reports. They are included as part of your CatExpress subscription.

Why do you need to know how much of your CatExpress subscription you have used?
Libraries who exceed their subscription limit may be charged $.82 for each record over the limit. If you monitor your usage and don't go over your subscription limit, you can avoid having to pay any extra charges at the end of the subscription year.

For detailed information about the Monthly Transaction Reports and instructions on how to use them, see the NEBASE CatExpress web site at </netserv/nebase/catxreports.html>.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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REVOLUTIONS IN CATALOGING

Handcrafted or mass produced: What are you willing to pay and is it worth it?

In this article from the OLA Quarterly, Gary Houk, OCLC Vice President, Cataloging and Metadata Services, presents a provocative overview of the effects automation has had on cataloging and what needs to be done. "Automation in cataloging in particular still is and has been used as a tool to get old tasks accomplished more productively, rather than as a tool to create more productive ways of getting things done."

For the complete text of the article see <http://www.olaweb.org/quarterly/quar9-1/houk.shtml>.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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RECORDS FOR ALL JSTOR TITLES IN WORLDCAT COLLECTION SETS

OCLC has recently added three sets of MARC records for JSTOR collections to the WorldCat Collection Sets, making them available for purchase. The sets include the JSTOR Business Collection, the JSTOR Ecology and Botany Collection, and the JSTOR Language & Literature Collection. With these additions OCLC now offers the complete MARC record sets for all JSTOR titles.

For more information, visit the WorldCat Collection Sets web site at <http://www.stats.oclc.org/wcs_list.html>.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission 

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CONNEXION ENHANCEMENTS INSTALLED AND HELP DOCUMENTATION UPDATED

OCLC completes regular maintenance and enhancement installs for OCLC Connexion. Maintenance installs generally include minor enhancements that do not affect documentation or training, as well as some problem fixes. Details are noted below and are also included in System Update messages in Connexion News.

JULY INSTALLATION
The OCLC Connexion July quarterly enhancement install on Sunday, July 20, 2003 was successful.

This installation includes changes to:

• Pica GGC searching - Two new indexes and the ability to limit by date
  
• WebDewey/Abridged WebDewey searching - Improved search results sort & expanded searching capabilities

• Search History
  
• Quick Search
  
• Expanded automatic logon options
  
• Hotlinks
  
• Retain Quick Search/Browse function in WebDewey/Abridged WebDewey
  
• Several Problem Fixes

Show Institution Name
The Show Institution Name feature allows you to mouse over an institution's symbol in the 040 field in bibliographic records and see the corresponding institution's name. The ability to view an institution's name on a bibliographic record display reduces your dependence on the Name Address Directory. To edit the 040, open the Function list and select: Edit Field.

Navigate Through Related Records via Hotlinks in Host Record
This feature allows you to view and use related OCLC records via hotlinked OCLC control number(s) in the host record. You can click the link to display the record, or you can choose to view, edit, export, etc. A new cataloging option lets you choose whether to show the OCLC control numbers as links or to show MARC tags 760-787 as editable variable fields. To use this option, go to Preferences, select Cataloging Options, and scroll down to the following setting: 760-787 Fields: Show OCLC Control Numbers as Links. Choose either Show as Editable Text or Show as Live Link. Searches resulting from the navigation process do not generate search charges.

Linking Fields
This feature allows you to direct the Connexion system to automatically supply data in a linking field (MARC tags 760-787) derived from another bibliographic record. This functionality is useful for catalogers creating records for in-analytics and serials. To use this feature, first add a linking field (supply the linking field tag and desired indicators). Enter the OCLC control number of the record to be cited in the linking field in subfield $a. Then open the Function list and select: Insert from Cited Record. The system automatically changes the added linking field to insert data from the bibliographic record you specified. Finally, edit the resulting field as appropriate.

WebDewey/Abridged WebDewey -- Retain Quick Search/Browse
The retain search/browse feature is now available through WebDewey's Quick Search/Browse function. The buttons have also been changed to correspond to the Quick Search or Quick Browse function (The retain search/browse feature was introduced to the main Search/Browse pages in June.) Details available at <http://www.oclc.org/dewey/news/connexion_200308.htm>.

910 Field in Bibliographic Records
Previously, the 910 field was retained with master records created or replaced in Connexion. This is a local field that is not retained with the master records in Passport and CatME. Connexion has been changed to no longer retain this field with the master record. OCLC is working to scan the database to remove 910 fields that were previously added with Connexion. You might continue to see 910 fields in records in Connexion until the database scan is complete; however, this problem is resolved for new records added or replaced via Connexion.

Bibliographic Save File
The bibliographic save file has been changed to automatically delete records when you do the Update Holdings, Produce and Update Holdings or Alternate Produce and Update actions on existing records. Previously, workforms were deleted with these actions, but existing records were retained. In addition, existing records are deleted when you do the Replace Record or the Replace and Update Holdings actions. If you want to save your record after doing one of these actions, you must resave it.

CONNEXION HELP
Updated Help was included in the releases of OCLC Connexion installed July 20 and August 24.

Click Help on the header bar of any Connexion screen to view context-specific information and instructions. To find other Help topics, use:

• Links to Related Topics (listed at the end of each Help topic)
  
• Search Help function (above the title of each Help topic)
  
• Contents tab (top of each Help window)

• On the Connexion documentation page, updated titles have July or August 2003 in the Date Revised column.
  
• To view the guide in HTML format, click the title.
  
• To view and/or print the guide in PDF format, click the link labeled: (PDF).
  
• The Revision History (on page 2 of the PDF) in each updated guide summarizes changes for that document.

• On the General tab, click the Documentation button.
  Or
  
• On the Connexion home screen (first screen displayed after logon), under Topics, click OCLC Connexion Documentation.

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WORLDCAT MAKING DIGITAL COLLECTIONS ACCESSIBLE WITH NEW CONTENTdm™ LINK

Libraries and other cultural heritage institutions that use CONTENTdm™ Digital Collection Management Software will soon be able to make unique digitized collections more visible and accessible to libraries through WorldCat, the OCLC Online Union Catalog.

With the WorldCat link, a new feature of CONTENTdm version 3.5 released in July, metadata harvested automatically from CONTENTdm servers is converted to MARC format, loaded into WorldCat and made available to library patrons searching the OCLC FirstSearch service.

See the full announcement at <http://www.oclc.org/oclc/press/20030619.shtm>.

Learn more about CONTENTdm at <http://www.oclc.org/digitalpreservation/services/digitizing/contentdm/>.

Christa Burns
OCLC Member Services Coordinator
Nebraska Library Commission

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NEW RECOMMENDED CACHE SETTINGS TO OPTIMIZE BROWSER PERFORMANCE

OCLC recently reviewed recommended browser cache settings for the ILL Web Interface and Connexion browser. The following are new guidelines. Please review/change your current settings to ensure optimal performance.

About cache settings

• Browser cache settings determine how your browser handles redisplaying Web pages you have previously viewed.
  
• The browser may display the page as it exists in temporary storage (the browser's cache area) or download the latest version of the page from the server.
  
• Using the recommended settings can improve browser performance.
  Note: Your browser may already be configured to the recommended settings. Many of these settings are defaults supplied with supported versions of Microsoft and Netscape browsers.

• Set your browser to refresh Web pages automatically when necessary. Do not specify that the browser refresh a page each time you view it.
  
• Allocate adequate disk space for the browser cache. 100 MB is recommended. Do not specify zero space for the cache, and avoid allowing it to be larger than 100 MB.
  
• Do not clear the cache each time you exit the browser.
  
• Retain the browser's History (log of recently visited sites) for 4 days.

• The recommended settings may not work with certain network security configurations or with some Web-based applications.
  
• Before changing cache/history settings, write down your current settings so that you can restore them if the new settings cause problems.

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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>

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