A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 4

OCLC Update

By Regan W. Harper

Connexion Client 1.10 Expected March/April
The next release of the OCLC Connexion client, version 1.10, is coming in March/April, according to OCLC. Additional information has been added to the OCLC Web site about the new version. The future enhancements page at www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/future.htm has been updated to list new features that will be available in version 1.10. The known problems page at www.oclc.org/connexion/support/client_known_problems.htm has been updated to note which problems will be resolved by version 1.10.

Client Interface Macro Language Lessons Online
Previously, Joel Hahn, Niles Public Library District, has provided macro lessons on his Web site for both OCLC Passport and OCLC Cataloging Micro Enhancer. Now Hahn has posted a new Connexion client version of his lessons, "OCLC Macro Language for the complete beginner." The 12 lessons, which are sponsored and endorsed by OCLC, provide an overview of macro writing.

The lessons are available from the Connexion client documentation page at www.oclc.org/support/ documentation/connexion/client/default.htm and directly from Hahn's Web site at users.rcn.com/aardy/oml/lessons/index.html.

OCLC ILL Policies Directory Updated
OCLC has changed the privacy policy of the ILL Policies Directory. Directory users are now required to accept new legal terms to access the directory. The primary change in legal terms allows OCLC to share data in the directory with ILL vendors to test the ability to share data with alternative ILL software. OCLC anticipates the testing will lead to a greater ability to share information between ILL software programs, making future resource sharing more accurate.

The default allows data contained in existing directory units to be shared. To not share data, libraries must edit each individual unit to indicate that they are not willing to share. When creating new units, libraries will be required to choose whether they would like to share information only with OCLC members or with all authorized users. For more information, contact Ann Schwab (aschwab@bcr.org) at BCR.

Non-supplier Status Clarified in Policies Directory
When temporarily setting your institution ILL status to non-supplier, you must select dates for the temporary change. Some confusion exists as to whether the end date is inclusive. The answer is yes. Changes start on the date chosen and go through the end date indicated. The ILL Policies Directory screens will be modified in the February install to make this more understandable.

New OCLC Resource Sharing E-list
OCLC is launching a new, broadcast-only electronic discussion list to keep users of OCLC ILL informed of upcoming enhancements to OCLC resource sharing. To subscribe, go https://www3.oclc.org/app/listserv/ and select OCLC-SHARING-L.

Connexion Browser, WebDewey Enhanced
In December staff installed the quarterly updates to the OCLC Connexion browser and to WebDewey/Abridged-WebDewey. For details, go to www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/browser/enhancements/recent.htm. The Connexion browser online guides also have been updated to reflect recent system changes, clarify information and correct errors. The browser guides are available in both HTML and PDF formats at www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/browser/default.htm.

The December release for the Abridged WebDewey includes the newly released Abridged 14 database. A summary of the changes is available on the Dewey Web site at www.oclc.org/dewey/versions/abridgededition14/newfeatures.pdf. For details about the enhancements to WebDewey see www.oclc.org/dewey/updates/enhancements/default.htm.

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