OCLC FirstSearch Update
Internet & Personal Computing Abstracts is the new name for the FirstSearch
Microcomputer Abstracts database. The name change was implemented in early April on
both old and New FirstSearch services. The FirstSearch short name InternetPCAbs will
replace Microcomp- Abs. Libraries that use the automatic logon capability through
either IP-address recognition or the OCLC WebScript CGI application to access both
versions of FirstSearch do not need to make any changes to their URLs or scripts since
OCLC has created an alias for the database name.
Automatic logon capability allows users to access FirstSearch via the World Wide Web
without entering the FirstSearch authorization number and password. Complete details
can be found in the document "Automatic Logon Scripting for the New FirstSearch or the
Current FirstSearch" on the OCLC Web site at www.oclc.org/oclc/software/fsauto.htm.
OCLC has discontinued per-search access to the New York Times on both versions of
FirstSearch. Current subscriptions will be honored through their terms. Alternate
databases for per-search access are DataTimes, Newspaper Abstracts, Periodicals
Abstracts, Readers' Guide Abstracts and Wilson Business Abstracts.
The current and subset file versions of Periodicals Contents Index will be discontinued
on the old and New OCLC FirstSearch services effective July 1. Contact Karen Graham
(kgraham@bcr.org) for information.
SilverPlatter Discontinues Gale Products
SilverPlatter has discontinued access to the
Gale databases. Products affected by this are Encyclopedia of Associations,
Contemporary Authors, CD-ROMs in Print, the Gale Research Centers and Services
Directory and the Gale Directory of Databases.
Grolier and Britiannica Enrollment Deadlines
The annual BCR Grolier Online product trial, renewal and sign-up period ends April 30;
however, it is highly recommended that all orders be placed by April 15 to allow time for
processing. BCR's group subscription runs from May 1, 2000, through April 30, 2001.
All current subscribers must renew during this period to keep their subscriptions active.
The annual BCR Britannica Online product trial and enrollment period runs April 1
through May 31, 2000. Please note that the subscription cycle has changed from
February 1 through January 31 to June 1, 2000 through May 31, 2001. Pricing will be no
higher than last year's $0.49 per FTE and may be lower depending on the number of
libraries and schools that sign up.
For questions or to subscribe to any reference database, CD-ROM and on the Web,
contact BCR's Jim Hensinger (jhensinger@bcr.org) or Karen Graham
(kgraham@bcr.org).
