A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — A u g u s t 2 0 0 2

OCLC Update

By Regan W. Harper

Connexion Integrates Cataloging/Metadata Services
OCLC launched the first phase of the OCLC Connexion service July 1. Connexion is the new face of OCLC cataloging, providing one-stop access to integrated cataloging tools and WorldCat, the OCLC online union catalog and bibliographic database. The initial release uses a browser interface for many functions now found in OCLC's various cataloging services. Functions of the OCLC CORC and CatExpress services and other options, such as Dewey services, are now included in Connexion.

Eventually, all OCLC cataloging interfaces will merge into Connexion to provide a single interface for all cataloging needs. The Web version of Connexion will be updated quarterly. A Windows-based client version will follow in mid-2003 to provide functionality not supported by today's Web browsers.

We encourage you to log on to OCLC Connexion and try it. (Normal access and support fees apply, so be sure to log off when you have completed your work.) The URL to access this new interface is connexion.oclc.org.

The save file for OCLC Connexion is distinct from cataloging done via Passport and Cataloging Micro Enhancer. If you start a record in Connexion, you must finish in Connexion and vice versa.

Dedicated TCP/IP (ded-ip) access users can use their ded-ip line to access the new OCLC Connexion service, but should be aware that they will need to log in through a special URL: connexion.dedip.oclc.org. Ded-ip users who log in via the standard Connexion URL, connexion.oclc.org, will be billed connect time in addition to their monthly ded-ip charges.

Web Dewey users will need to be aware that when they connect to WebDewey now via the new Connexion interface using a standard cataloging authorization, they will either be incurring connect time charges or using up a simultaneous-user port for flat fee users.

Libraries that do not currently catalog using Connexion, but still use either Passport or Cataloging Micro Enhancer software may find this additional connection affecting not only their monthly charges for OCLC services, but also their access. In order to get around this problem, OCLC is prepared to create WebDewey-only authorizations for libraries that request it. These authorizations would allow access to WebDewey services only and not any of the other services available through the Connexion Web interface. Libraries wishing to obtain a WebDewey-only authorization should send an e-mail request to Regan Harper at BCR.

For questions or concerns about access and access fees for the OCLC Connexion service, contact Regan W. Harper (rharper@bcr.org).

Bibliographic Format and Standards Now Online
Bibliographic Formats and Standards, third edition, is now available in PDF format on the OCLC Web site at www.oclc.org/bibformats/. Bibliographic Formats and Standards is a guide to the bibliographic information on records in WorldCat. It provides tagging conventions, input standards and guidelines for entering information. Distribution of the printed third edition began on June 28. The HTML version is scheduled to be available late in July on the OCLC Web site.

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