OCLC Update

Connexion Diacritic Entry Method Changes
On February 16, OCLC Connexion browser users began entering diacritics following the character they modify. This change conforms to Unicode standards and brings OCLC's handling of diacritics more in line with worldwide practice.

This change affects entering diacritics in Connexion only. It does not impact entering diacritics with OCLC Cataloging Micro Enhancer or OCLC Passport. It does not impact the exported record. Records you get from OCLC and load into your system are exactly the same (even from Connexion). This change does not impact your local system.

Important points to remember:

• When using Connexion, enter the diacritic following the modified character.
• A pop-up box for easy diacritics entry is available for Internet Explorer users.
• No changes are required for record export.
• Records will be exported in the same format as they currently are exported.

For more information, contact Regan Harper (rharper@bcr.org) at BCR.

Interim Policy for Cataloging Remote Access E-serials
CONSER has adopted a new policy to create single records to represent remote access electronic serials that happen to be available from various aggregators or providers. Previously, multiple records were created whenever a remote access electronic serial was available through different aggregators or providers. This does not change the option of using the record for the corresponding print version to note the availability of its online counterpart.

The guidelines concerning the content of the "CONSER aggregator-neutral record" will be worked out in the second quarter 2003. OCLC practice will change to coincide with CONSER practice. However, to reduce the number of multiple records that must be collapsed after the guidelines are finalized, CONSER has set an interim policy for cataloging online versions of electronic serials. OCLC member libraries should follow the policy outlined below when working with either CONSER or non-CONSER remote access electronic serial records in WorldCat.

• If no record for an electronic serial exists, and you are not opting to use the print version record, then create a record for the electronic serial based on the publisher's Web site, if readily available, or otherwise based on the version to which you have access.
• If a record already exists in WorldCat representing the electronic serial, then use that record even though it may cite only an aggregator or provider other than the one to which you have access. Edit as needed.
• If multiple records already exist in WorldCat representing the electronic serial, then choose one of the records, preferably a CONSER record when available.

After selecting a record, you may add the URL to the master record, as permitted under your OCLC cataloging authorization, or report the addition of the URL via one of the error reporting methods outlined in Section 5 of Bibliographic Formats and Standards. For existing records, do not add notes, added entries, etc., for the aggregator or provider.

For more information, contact Linda Gonzalez (lgonzale@bcr.org) at BCR.

OCLC Changes Canadian Abbreviations
To match the official Canadian abbreviations, OCLC has changed the state code abbreviations for the following Canadian provinces and territories:

The location displays in OCLC Cataloging, OCLC Connexion, OCLC FirstSearch, OCLC Interlibrary Loan and OCLC Union Listing services now use the new abbreviations.

The abbreviations used in Participating Institutions have also been changed.

Please note: These codes are not used for input in fields 008 and 043. They are used only in profiling and holdings displays.

Catalogers Needed for WorldCat Collection Sets
Volunteers are needed to catalog microform or electronic sets to be included in OCLC WorldCat Collection Sets. Catalogers are given a special symbol and authorization to use for cataloging only the specified set of records. All records cataloged using this special symbol are collected into the set.

Searches, updates and replaces are free of charge, and catalogers receive regular cataloging credits. If you have a set of items you plan to catalog and are interested in participating in this cataloging program, please contact Susan Walker (walkers@oclc.org) at OCLC.

For a complete listing of available record sets and additional information, see the Collection Sets at: www.stats.oclc.org/wcs_list.html.

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February 27, 2008
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