Action for Libraries
OCLC Update
By Regan W. Harper
New OCLC Report Available
What do today's information consumers think about libraries? OCLC marketing research staff
just published Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, which summarizes findings of
an international study on information-seeking habits and preferences of Internet users around the
world. Perceptions reports on a study across six countries to help librarians learn more about:
- Library use patterns
- Awareness and use of library electronic resources
- The Internet search engine, the library and the librarian
- Free vs. for-fee information
- The Library brand
Visit the Web site below for more information on the report, to download a free copy or to purchase a print copy: www.oclc.org/reports/2005perceptions.htm.
OCLC Connexion Client 1.50 Now Available
Connexion Client 1.50 has been released. The new version includes Unicode export, additional
WorldCat searching customization, simplified process for adding/deleting holdings and more.
See www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/recent.htm
to read more about the changes and to download the software.
Library staff are urged to review the "Update the Connexion client" section of the Getting Started with OCLC Connexion Client document at www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/client/gettingstarted/gettingstarted/#update_client.fm prior to upgrading to client 1.50.
Please note: OCLC was scheduled to discontinue client 1.30 on January 1, 2006. Users will no longer be able to log on with client 1.30. OCLC will discontinue client 1.40 on March 1, 2006. After February 28, 2006, you will not be able to log on with client 1.40. To verify your version number, go to the Help menu and select About OCLC Connexion Client. The complete version number is 1.50.2146.28406.
Changes to MeSH Headings Practices
Many librarians are already aware of the several changes in Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
practices that the National Library of Medicine is implementing. A full and detailed explanation
can be found in NLM Technical Bulletin 346 (2005 September-October) at
www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/techbull/so05/so05_marc.html.
As the NLM announcement indicates, revised records reflecting the new practices will be distributed in early December. OCLC plans to load the file (expected to be about 200,000 records) as expeditiously as possible after the file is received and tested. An announcement will be distributed when loading is complete.
If you are interested in obtaining replacement copies of the updated records for use in your local catalog, you can send OCLC a list of OCLC numbers for those records for which you want updated MARC records. Prior to sending this list, librarians will need to complete a batchload order form specifying that the project is a one-time effort to obtain MARC records and that input will be non-MARC. Please note that in addition to the per-record read and evaluation fee, a per- record matched (record returned) charge is incurred. Questions can be directed to Linda Gonzalez at BCR (lgonzale@bcr.org) or to batchservices@oclc.org.