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 2

OCLC Update

By Regan Harper

OCLC Ending Connexion Support for Netscape 4.x
OCLC plans to end Connexion support for Netscape 4.x on January 19, 2003. After that time, users will no longer be able to log on to Connexion using Netscape 4.x. As a result, OCLC will now be able to add new and better features to the system, significantly accelerating the development of the Connexion service. In addition, OCLC will be able to eliminate system problems often experienced when using older versions of Netscape.

Users are encouraged to upgrade to a higher version of Netscape as soon as possible. To download a free copy of the newest version, Netscape 7.0, go to channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/. Users who access the OCLC Connexion service via Microsoft Internet Explorer are not affected.

The OCLC System Requirements link on the Connexion logon screen will be revised to note this change, and the Technical Support information and Browser Versions news item will be updated. The Requirements, Access and Interface Roadmap and the Help documentation in Connexion also will be revised, and users will be reminded to install an upgraded version via the OCLCCAT listserv and the Message of the Day.

For more information or assistance in choosing the browser best suited for your library, contact Regan Harper at BCR (rharper@bcr.org).

OCLC Completes Scheduled Upgrades to Connexion
OCLC completed its monthly maintenance and quarterly enhancement installs for the OCLC Connexion service at the end of September. The monthly installs included minor enhancements that don't affect documentation or training, as well as some problem fixes. The monthly installs in March, June, September and December coincide with quarterly updates to the WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey databases.

Changes in this installation include:

Automatic log off when the browser is closed.
Blank subfields retained in constant data records.
Collection Management tab that offers an Automated Collection Assessment and Analysis Services (ACAS) demo.
Metadata Extraction shortcut linking.
Save File - Deleting Save File fix and Resetting Save File Expiration Dates.
Single-Multiple Record Create URL matching.
WebDewey, Abridged WebDewey quarterly updates.
Workflow statuses fix.
WorldCat search cursor fix.

Details about the enhancements can be found at www.bcr.org/~bss/oclccat.html or contact Regan Harper at BCR (rharper@bcr.org).

OCLC Expands Language Sets Service
OCLC has added Indic Language Sets to its Language Sets service. Libraries can select from six different languages in the Indic group: Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Panjabi, Urdu and Tamil. OCLC collection development librarians have created sets of high-quality, newly published materials that appeal to a wide range of patron interests. The Language Sets allow you to receive, in one package, everything needed to start or expand a non-English language collection, including full MARC cataloging with LC subject headings and Dewey or LC call numbers. All records include at least one Romanized vernacular or Bilindex subject heading. Language sets also allow you the option of physically processing your items and setting your holdings in WorldCat. Your items are shipped to you at no cost.

For more information, contact Rosario Garza (rgarza@bcr.org) at BCR.

OCLC Welcomes New PrompCat Vendor
BUSCA, Inc., is the 18th company to join OCLC as a PromptCat vendor. Based in Ithaca, New York, BUSCA is an international distributor, importer and exporter of books, videos, CD-ROMs and journal subscriptions. For details, visit BUSCA at www.buscainc.com/ or call (607) 546-4247. For information on how to use PromptCat, contact Linda Gonzales at BCR (lgonzale@bcr.org).

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