A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — N o v e m b e r 2 0 0 1

OCLC ILL Web Interface Now Available

By Ann Morrow Schwab

The new Web interface to OCLC Interlibrary Loan is now available at illweb.oclc.org. The Web interface does not replace Passport or ILL Micro Enhancer software. The new interface simply gives users another choice for accessing OCLC ILL.

This new graphical interface is designed to reduce training time for new staff, including student workers, as well as infrequent users. Enhanced features available only in the Web interface include:

Simplified title and author searching.
A Message file divided into separate Borrowing and Lending statuses.
An easy way to create and maintain Custom Holdings groups and paths.
Access to a library's ILL Direct Request Profiles.
Access to OCLC Participating Institutions.

At this time the Web interface does not support the referral function and cannot be used to edit Name-Address Directory records.

In addition to the features listed above, users will find extensive Help features throughout the service. These include margin tips, "tell me more" pop-up messages and context- sensitive Help screens.

A Web interface tutorial is available for both new and current users of OCLC ILL. To access the tutorial, go to www.oclc.org/oclc/ill/webinterface.htm and click on the View the Web interface tutorial link at the bottom of the screen.

To encourage users to try the new Web interface, OCLC is sponsoring a promotional through December 31. You might win a $1,000 credit on your OCLC ILL bill just by letting OCLC know what you think of this new Web interface. To enter the contest, follow these instructions:

Log on to the Web interface at illweb.oclc.org.
Click on the Contact link in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
Use the Feedback Form to submit your comments.

BCR will be offering free overviews of the new interface at the following locations:

Johnson County Public Library, Overland Park, KS, Friday, November 9, 1-4 p.m.

BCR Offices, Aurora, CO, Thursday, November 15, 1-4 p.m.

Utah State Library, Salt Lake City, UT, Thursday, December 13, 1-4 p.m.

To register for a session, go to www.bcr.org/workshop/register.html.

For additional information about the Web interface, read OCLC Technical Bulletin 245 available at www.oclc.org/technicalbulletins/245/ or contact BCR's Ann Schwab (aschwab@bcr.org).

OCLC CatExpress/ILL Web interface pricing combination.

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