A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — M a r c h 2 0 0 5

OCLC Update

By Regan W. Harper
Connexion Client 1.30 Coming in Late March
The latest version of OCLC Connexion client is anticipated to be released late this month. Version 1.30 of the software includes searching WorldCat enhancements, support for cataloging with CJK and Arabic scripts, a Spanish interface, plus a lot more. The Future Enhancements page on the OCLC Connexion Web site has been updated with information about what is coming in client 1.30, as well as in version 1.40 scheduled for release in June. Check out the additional information at www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/future.htm.

Connexion Browser Tutorial Updated
The OCLC Connexion browser tutorial has been updated to include a revised module on searching. The module now introduces the search enhancements released last November, covering Boolean searching, keyword and phrase searching, toggling between truncated and brief lists and more. This section of the tutorial will require Macromedia Flash Player to run and is best viewed in 1024x768 screen resolution.

WorldCat Collection Analysis Coming Soon
Expected to be available in early 2005, OCLC WorldCat Collection Analysis service will allow staff from libraries and library groups now to generate reports on-the-fly through the OCLC FirstSearch reference service. This service may enable library staff to manage their collections more efficiently, helping them:

Evaluate group collections — even across different local systems — and validate cooperative collection activities.
Identify unique titles, overlaps and what's missing.
Compare their collections to those of other WorldCat libraries.
Compare holdings in specific subject areas with those of peer libraries.
Run analyses by parameters such as format, language and audience level.
Export record data that is ready to use and present to others.

There's no software to install with the WorldCat Collection Analysis service, as the work is done in a special interface in FirstSearch, and libraries can use the service as often as needed. The service is based on a library's holdings in WorldCat.

WorldCat Collection Analysis will complement a package of components that includes WorldCat and group catalogs, plus enhanced capabilities for WorldCat on FirstSearch. (WorldCat Collection Analysis will require a subscription to the WorldCat database on FirstSearch.)

Contact Rosario Garza (rgarza@bcr.org) at BCR for more information.

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