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

OCLC Update

By Regan W. Harper
Telnet Sessions Function Not in Connexion Client
In Passport and Cataloging Micro Enhancer (CatME), users could set up a telnet session to connect to their local system. (In CatME, this was done under the Terminal Session menu.) This was typically used to run macros between OCLC and the local system.

Previously OCLC announced that this functionality would be included in a Connexion client release prior to the end of life of CatME. However, further investigation determined this effort would be much larger than originally expected, and this functionality will not migrate to Connexion. Instead, OCLC will continue to focus on improving performance and adding additional functionality that will help a larger number of users.

Union List LDRs Conversion to MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data
OCLC is preparing to convert the Union List LDRs to the MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data format, which OCLC will be implementing when moving the local holdings maintenance capability out of Passport and into the Connexion browser. The current target date is September/December 2005 for the cutover to the Connexion browser. Until local holdings maintenance is available in the Connexion browser, libraries will be able to continue to use Passport for that function.

CONTENTdm 4 Scheduled for May Release
In May, OCLC and DiMeMa plan to release CONTENTdm 4, which will include some new features. Update kits for this software will be available for download from the User Support Center. CD copies will also be available by request. All primary contacts will be notified when the software is available and notices will be posted to the listserv.

CONTENTdm 4 includes many new features to make collection development, management and delivery more efficient, some of which are highlighted on BCR's Web site at www.bcr.org/oclcsrvs.html. A complete feature list is scheduled to be made available on the User Support Center sometime in May.

Support for CONTENTdm Versions 3.3 and 3.4 will be withdrawn September 30. If you are running Version 3.3 or 3.4, you must upgrade to Version 3.5 before you can upgrade to any of the newer releases. OCLC recommends upgrading to Version 3.5 and then upgrading directly to Version 4 once it is available in May.

The update kit for CONTENTdm Version 3.5 is available in the downloads section of the User Support Center: www.contentdm.com/USC/downloads/v35/index.asp. Upgrade documentation is also available on this page, including information on how to upgrade customized templates. Waiting to upgrade customized Version 3.4 templates until after Version 4 is released is recommended so that you may upgrade directly to the latest version. Version 3.4 templates are compatible with later versions, and collection sites running on Version 3.4 templates will still function after upgrading.

If you are not sure which version of CONTENTdm you are running, check the "About CONTENTdm Acquisition Station" from the Help menu of the Acquisition Station. You can also check the version on your CONTENTdm server by typing: http://serveraddresshere/cgi-bin/version.exe. This version call was added in Version 3.5, so if it doesn't work or you can't access it, then you are probably running Version 3.4 or earlier.

If you need assistance with the upgrade process, please contact OCLC Support at support@oclc.org or (800) 848-5800.

Passport for Cataloging End-of-Life to Change
In light of recent system disruptions and in response to requests from BCR and other regional service providers and library staff, OCLC has extended the migration date to the Connexion service for Passport cataloging and NACO CatME users to June 5 to allow more time for training in preparation for the move. The Passport resource sharing migration date is tentatively set for May 8. Migration dates for cataloging and resource sharing users are staggered so OCLC staff can make a series of software installations necessary to provide the infrastructure for a successful transition. At this point, we believe that the date to discontinue the remaining CatME functionality, CJK software and Arabic software will remain June 30. Union listing activities remain in Passport until later this year.

The migration Web site (www.oclc.org/migration/) will soon be updated to reflect these changes. However, BCR and OCLC highly recommend that users make the move to Connexion as soon as possible.

WebDewey/Abridged WebDewey Quarterly Update
WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey have been updated with the latest schedules, tables, Manual and Relative Index entries from their respective enhanced DDC databases. The hierarchical displays in WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey feature updated main class and division captions (e.g., 700 Arts & recreation; 790 Sports, games & entertainment). For specifics on what is included in the February quarterly enhancement, please go to www.oclc.org/dewey/enhancements/enhancement200502.htm. The next Dewey services quarterly release is scheduled for June.

Next Article | Previous Article | Table of Contents | BCR Publications