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 4

Important End-of-life Dates for Passport
for Cataloging, CatME, CJK, Arabic Users

By Regan W. Harper
If you are at an OCLC member library and catalog using Passport, Cataloging Micro Enhancer (CatME), CJK or Arabic software, it is time to start planning to move to the OCLC Connexion service. As of May 1, 2005, all users of Passport for Cataloging must begin using either the Connexion browser or the Connexion client. As of July 1, 2005, all users of CatME, CJK and Arabic must begin to use the Connexion client.

Which OCLC cataloging option is best for your library? Check out the options below to help make your decision.

OCLC Connexion browser — Take advantage of easy Internet access, simple searching, easy cataloging of Internet resources, no extra software to install and maintain and automated heading verifications. If you do not need macros, batch processing or offline editing, and you like a system that is easy to get to, easy to use and doesn't require a lot of training, the Connexion browser may be right for you.

OCLC Connexion browser contains all Passport for cataloging functionality except for macros and truncated lists. Macros will not be supported in the browser, but are available in the Connexion client.

Truncated lists will be added to the Connexion browser, along with WorldCat true keyword searching and support for additional browse indexes. OCLC will issue more details over the next few months.

To begin using the Connexion browser, log on at connexion.oclc.org/ using your cataloging authorization and password.

OCLC Connexion client — The Connexion client is a powerful and flexible Windows-based interface with enhancements including macros, additional keyboard customization — you can perform all navigation and cataloging actions using assignable key combinations — and integrated label printing.

Connexion client version 1.10, currently available, includes most Passport functionality.
Connexion client version 1.20, scheduled for release fourth quarter 2004, will contain most CatME functionality. This version will add NACO support, authority file searching enhancements and local files including batch processing. (For a complete listing of additional functionality, see www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/future.htm.
Connexion client version 1.30, scheduled for release first quarter 2005, will add the remainder of CatME functionality, WorldCat true keyword searching, truncated lists and CJK support.
Connexion client version 1.40, to be released second quarter 2005, will add support for Arabic cataloging.

To begin using the Connexion client, download it from the Product Services Web (psw.oclc.org/psw/).

Use the Connexion browser tutorial or the Connexion client tutorial to learn how to use Connexion. To learn of upcoming workshops and training opportunities, visit the Connexion training Web site or contact BCR. To learn more about moving to Connexion, visit the Connexion migration Web site at www.oclc.org/connexion/migrating/default.htm.

Training
BCR is offering workshops for both the Connexion client and the Connexion browser. For more information about workshops in your area, visit the BCR Web site at www.bcr.org/training/workshops/. If you'd like to schedule on-site training just for your staff, contact BCR's Regan Harper (rharper@bcr.org).

Still have questions or need more information about the OCLC move to Connexion-based cataloging? Contact Regan Harper or Linda Gonzalez (lgonzale@bcr.org).

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Important End-of-life Dates for Passport for Cataloging, CatME, CJK, Arabic Users

Important End-of-life Dates for Passport
for Cataloging, CatME, CJK, Arabic Users