OCLC New FirstSearch Cutover Extended
OCLC has extended the cutover date for the New FirstSearch service through at
least June 2000, giving current FirstSearch users an additional five months to make
the switch. During this period, OCLC will be working to increase response time and
performance of the new system. When the current service is discontinued, the URL
for the new service will become firstsearch.oclc.org. Libraries will not have to change
the URL because they will be automatically redirected to firstsearch.oclc.org from
newfirstsearch.oclc.org.
For further information, OCLC has compiled a frequently asked questions page at
www.oclc.org/oclc/ fs_new/migration_faq.htm.
New FirstSearch Administrative Module Available
OCLC has made available a new online guide to assist FirstSearch users in planning
how to best customize the OCLC New FirstSearch service for their individual libraries.
A Web-only resource, found at www.oclc.org/oclc/fs_new/admin_ref.htm, the "New
Administrative Module Reference Guide" describes the features and options of the new
administrative module along with features now available and those to be added in the
future. The guide will be updated as new features are added. Go to www.oclc.org/
oclc/fs_new/features.htm for a timetable outlining OCLC's expected implementation of
these features.
OCLC's "Planning for the New OCLC FirstSearch Service" also includes important
information about the new administrative module, including compatible Web browsers, Web
address, authorization and password. See the Customize FirstSearch section at
www.oclc.org/ oclc/fs_new/planning/pg_customize.htm.
OCLC FirstSearch GeoRefs Database Retains Name
OCLC's planned name change to the GeoRefs database on FirstSearch will not be
implemented because of the impact the modification would have on libraries that use
scripts or Z39.50 to access the database.
Although the database is now available by subscription only, new subscribers to GeoRefs
can still obtain a 20 percent discount through January 31, 2000. Anyone interested in
subscribing can contact Karen Graham at BCR (kgraham@bcr.org).
H.W. Wilson Group Purchase Launched
BCR's H.W. Wilson trial was a success, with 175 libraries signing up for the trial. BCR's
new Wilson group subscription, which runs through December 31, 2000, provides unlimited
access to any Wilson database for the same price a library normally pays for one-to-five
simultaneous-user access.
Libraries can enroll in the group purchase at any time. To obtain a quote for a database,
use the online quote request form on BCR's Web site: www.bcr.org. Click on Reference
Databases and then on H.W. Wilson.
Dialog Via the Web More Economical
More than 50 libraries that contract with BCR for Dialog reference databases are
currently accessing the databases via tymnet, Sprint or telnet. Libraries can save money
and improve searching efficiency by switching instead to Web access.
Dialog users have two options for Web access:
For questions or to subscribe to any reference database CD-ROM, online or Internet-
accessible contact BCR's Jim Hensinger (jhensing@bcr.org) or Karen Graham
(kgraham@bcr.org).
