BCReview newsletter

July 31, 2007

Visit BCR at PNLA Conference

Members of PNLA will gather in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for the annual Pacific Northwest Library Association conference, August 8-11. Gillian Harrison, BCR manager, Marketing & Support, will be staffing the BCR exhibit booth. This is the second year BCR has exhibited, and Harrison is looking forward to meeting librarians from the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Visit Harrison at the BCR booth, and learn about the diversity of products, services and training opportunities BCR has available to its member libraries as well as the library community at large.


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July 29, 2007

EBSCO Text-only Interface Soon to Be 508 Compliant

Users of EBSCO's text-only interface should note: new improvements to EBSCOhost are almost complete that will make the interface 508 compliant and bring expanded accessibility to visually and physically impaired users. However, you may encounter problems with your personalized folder in the text-only interface while EBSCO is finishing up the 508 compliant enhancements.

As a precaution, you may need to print, e-mail or save your results before you end the session because your personalized folder may not be accessible during the changeover. Please contact EBSCO support at (800) 758-5995 for additional help during this transition period. Soon text-only users will be asked to migrate to the EBSCOhost Web interface for all of their access.

Watch BCReview for the notice that ESCOhost has complete the full 508 compliancy upgrades. You will be reminded to migrate to EBSCOhost and will be provided additional information about what has happened to any personalized folders you have been using in the past in the text-only interface.


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IRs Now Available to Non-RLG Libraries

The Institution Record Option order form is now available to non-Research Library Group (RLG) libraries that wish to create and maintain Institution Records (IRs). Non-RLG migrating libraries that wish to create and maintain Institution Records, either online via Connexion or Z39.50 Cataloging or via batchload, should complete this form. Prior to completing the form, however, BCR/OCLC members should contact BCR's Regan Harper (rharper@bcr.org) for a custom quote, as the cost for IRs are based on a library's OCLC Cataloging subscription price.

The Institution Record Option order form is found on the OCLC Web site at https://www3.oclc.org/app/ir/ or may be downloaded in PDF format at www.oclc.org/support/forms/pdf/insrec.pdf.

Institution Records were added to WorldCat this year as part of the Research Library Group's merger with OCLC. IRs provide functions similar to the RLIN21 "cluster" model of records, which group together records for the same item that are cataloged by individual libraries. The records include local data, such as copy-specific notes, and locations information. For more information on the transition, please see the OCLC Web site at www.oclc.org/services/cataloging/rlg/default.htm.

As a reminder, RLG-migrating libraries do not need to complete this form as part of the migration process. A migrating library that wishes to add IRs to an authorization or request new authorizations should use the Access and Authorization form at https://www3.oclc.org/app/sysacc/header.pl.

For more information on Institution Records, contact Beth Levrault (blevraul@bcr.org) or Linda Gonzalez (lgonzale@bcr.org).


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Real Estate Investing Focus of August NetLibrary eBook

With proper planning and a little help from NetLibrary's August eBook of the Month, homeowners, investors and other stakeholders can avoid disaster and even profit on their properties regardless of what the market does. Beyond the Bubble, by Michael C. Thomsett, takes a balanced look at what drives changes in real estate markets and how these changes affect property owners and investors. Readers will learn:

  • The history, nature and dynamics of market bubbles
  • How to anticipate a coming downturn and act accordingly
  • The regional nature of real estate market conditions
  • Differences and similarities in residential and commercial markets
  • Other profit strategies when selling is difficult or impossible
  • How to analyze the market using facts, not hype

Beyond the Bubble explains and examines the real estate bubble in a context of a larger investment market and the overall economy, helping to understand how and why bubbles emerge and, historically, what has happened to earlier bubbles. Once readers study the broader markets and bubbles in this context, they will be able to develop an awareness of key market drivers affecting real estate prices, both economic and noneconomic, and be better able to evaluate markets and predict the rise and fall of prices.

The eBook of the Month showcases new and noteworthy titles available from NetLibrary. Each month, NetLibrary selects a new featured title and provides free, unlimited access through the authenticated home pages of more than 15,000 public, academic and special libraries. To help libraries promote the August eBook of the Month, NetLibrary has developed a tool kit of free promotional resources that includes print-on-demand bookmarks, a sample press release and electronic support materials. More information is available at library.netlibrary.com/eBookOfTheMonthResources.aspx.

For more information about NetLibrary eBooks, contact BCR's Gillian Harrison at gharriso@bcr.org.


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July 27, 2007

Training in Utah: Digitizing Historic Collections Using CONTENTdm

Digitizing Historic Collections Using CONTENTdm, a three-day series of workshops, is being presented by CDP@BCR Program Coordinator Leigh Grinstead October 9-11 at Weber State University in Odgen, Utah. These workshops are designed to introduce librarians and staff from other cultural heritage institutions to the range of issues associated with digitization of primary source materials while exploring the use of CONTENTdm as the digital asset management system.

Day one of the series, Digital Project Management and CONTENTdm, provides an overview of key issues such as copyright, dealing with culturally sensitive materials, selection of materials, physical preservation, considerations for digital imaging, metadata and the resources required for responsible sustainability of digital collections. Participants will also consider the tools and workflow considerations when using CONTENTdm as the digital asset management program and review other digital collections using CONTENTdm as their delivery infrastructure.

Day two, Introduction to Digital Imaging with CONTENTdm, focuses on basic digital imaging techniques. The class introduces cultural heritage institutions to the Western States Digital Imaging Best Practices, quality control and storage of image files. Participants will have the opportunity to work with a flatbed scanner to create scanned images and look at the CONTENTdm interface and how the images are stored within the system.

Day three, Using Dublin Core Metadata in CONTENTdm, concentrates on the creation of Dublin Core metadata for digital objects using the Western States Dublin Core Metadata Best Practices. Participants will be provided an overview of Dublin Core elements and strategies for applying them to digital cultural heritage collections. The class will also review and customize the metadata interface within CONTENTdm and create records.

For more information on these classes, please see BCR's Web site at www.bcr.org/training/workshops/States/utah.html. Register using BCR's online form at www.bcr.org/training/workshops/register.html.


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Anderson Oncology Manual Added to AccessMedicine

The MD Anderson Manual of Medical Oncology is now a resource on AccessMedicine.

The MD Anderson Cancer Center is ranked as the world's leading institution in cancer medicine. With publication of its MD Anderson Manual of Medical Oncology, the editorial board of this prestigious institution makes available a resource that meets the needs of clinicians for an authoritative, concise and accessible guide to the medical management of patients with cancer and its complications.

Check out other recently launched titles on AccessMedicine:

The Bioterrorism Sourcebook
Lichtman's Atlas of Hematology
Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology
CURRENT Consult Medicine 2007
Practice Guidelines in Primary Care 2007
Poisoning & Drug Overdose 5/e
Pulmonary Physiology, 7/e
CURRENT Rheumatology Diagnosis & Treatment
Clinician's Pocket Reference, 11/e
Greenspan's Basic & Clinical Endocrinology, 8/e

For more information on AccessMedicine, including a free trial and order information, see BCR's Web site at www.bcr.org/reference/accessmed/index.html. Questions? Contact BCR's Karen Graham (kgraham@bcr.org).


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July 26, 2007

WorldCat Collection Analysis Quarterly Update Complete

OCLC has completed the quarterly refresh of data in WorldCat Collection Analysis, replacing the data from last quarter with the most current data from WorldCat. With this refresh come the following changes:

  • Government Documents — All items in OCLC's Government Documents division have been broken out by publishing agency for more granular analysis.
  • NLM records consolidated — All master records in WorldCat with a National Library of Medicine call number have been classified using the record's NLM call number. This will be especially valuable for institutions accustomed to classifying their respective collections with NLM. Now the sequence of choosing a call number from the master record to use in mapping an item is:
    1. NLM
    2. LC
    3. Dewey

Coming Soon
In August, look for FRBR-applied WorldCat Comparison for group subscribers. Group subscribers will have the option of applying elements of the FRBR algorithm to their WorldCat Comparison via the FirstSearch Administrative Module. OCLC will announce this new functionality when it is available.


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July 20, 2007

FRBR-applied Comparisons Available in WorldCat Collections Analysis

Individual subscribers* to WorldCat Collection Analysis now have the option of applying elements of the FRBR algorithm to their WorldCat comparisons via the FirstSearch Administrative Module.

FirstSearch Administrative Module

Applying elements of FRBR will group various editions and formats of the same title together. Requesting a FRBR-applied WorldCat Comparison will not overwrite your existing, non-FRBR-applied comparison. It will appear as an additional analysis.

* This feature will be available to group subscribers in August.

For more information on FRBR, please visit www.loc.gov/cds/FRBR.html.


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Brainfuse HelpNow Delivers Online Homework Support

Learn how your library can offer your community a more robust online tutoring experience. BCR's Product and Services Showcase is highlighting Brainfuse HelpNow, the next generation in online homework help, on August 9, 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Mountain Time. Set aside just an hour of your time to discover this new online homework help and tutoring product now being offered to BCR member libraries at a discount.

Targeted to grades 3-12, Brainfuse HelpNow offers online one-to-one homework help to your patrons. It's more than just simple Q&A software. A skills-building area promotes academic improvement, a writing lab provides paper writing skills' assessment and critique, tutors answer in-depth questions within 24 hours and more. Spanish-speaking tutors are available, and BrainFuse is approved as a supplemental services provider by 30 State Boards of Education under "No Child Left Behind" legislation.

Brainfuse provides staff training, as well as community outreach materials to help your library implement and advertise this new service for its student populace.

To register for this special information session, simply visit the BCR Online Training Web pages, and select Class Registration on the left side of the menu.


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Institution Records Available in WorldCat Resource Sharing and FirstSearch

As part of the migration of Research Library Group (RLG), OCLC has added Institution Records to its FirstSearch and WorldCat Resource Sharing services.

The Institution Records feature allows access to search and display of Institution Records. Resource Sharing is still based on the library holdings symbols. Institution Records only appear in WorldCat, group catalogs, Ebooks and WorldCat Dissertations. It is an optional feature that the library's authorization administrator can make available to an authorization number in the WorldCat Services Administrative Module.

Institution Records provide additional copies of the WorldCat record, as they are cataloged by individual institutions, retaining each library's local data and notes. This information can be valuable to researchers, especially in reference to rare items. These local records can be presented as an additional source of information to display or to both display and search the data in these records.

The default option is to not display or search these records. Therefore, if you are interested in including this information to your service, please check out the additional information in the OCLC FirstSearch Institution Records Quick Reference document, and consider including this feature through the WorldCat Services Administrative Module.


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Printing Labels in WorldCat Resource Sharing

Several issues related to misalignment of printing labels in the WorldCat Resource Sharing installation completed on July 8, have been identified by OCLC. Two fixes are suggested.

  • For all labels (5160, 5162, 5164) — After choosing to format labels, viewing them in Adobe Reader and selecting PRINT, users need to confirm that page scaling is set to none in the Adobe Reader print dialog box. If any other setting is selected, labels will not be aligned to print correctly on label stock.
  • Label 5164 — OCLC has discovered an additional issue with label size 5164. Even with appropriate page scaling as outlined above, labels are misaligned on 5164 label stock. OCLC has identified the problem, and the fix was installed on July 18.


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OCLC Announces New Listserv

OCLC has announced the creation of a new Listserv called OCLC-NON-LATIN-SCRIPTS-L, a discussion forum for users of OCLC non-Latin scripts, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Cyrillic, Devanagari, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Tamil and Thai. The new Listserv has been added to the OCLC Internet List Subscription Request form.


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July 19, 2007

BCR Offers Discount for Internet Librarian 2007 Conference

Once again BCR is sponsoring discounted rates for the upcoming Internet Librarian 2007 conference, October 29-31, at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California. These discounts are offered in cooperation with Information Today, Inc. Staff from BCR member libraries may attend using BCR's group registration rate of $255 (regular price is $429) for the three-day event.

In addition, discount prices of $169 (regularly $199) on the Internet@Schools conference and $255 (actual price is $429) for the Internet Librarian general conference and Internet@Schools combo package are available. Please note that discount pricing is not available for pre- or post-conference events.

More information about the conference is available on the Information Today Web site. For details about the discounted rates, contact BCR's Stephanie Jauregui at sjauregu@bcr.org or (800) 397-1552, ext. 127.

Make checks out to Information Today, Inc. Complete the registration form at www.infotoday.com/il2007/IL2007_Registration.pdf, print it out and send it along with your check to BCR, 14394 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO, 80014-1478. To receive the discount, you must send your payment and registration by September 14, 2007.


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July 16, 2007

Action for Libraries Now Available Online

The latest issue of Action for Libraries, BCR's quarterly newsletter, has been published and is now available at www.bcr.org/publications/afl/index.html. In this issue read:

The newsletter is available in both HTML and PDF formats.


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We've Moved Our RSS Feed!

The BCReview RSS feed has moved. Our new RSS feed will improve BCR's ability to communicate with you through faster notification of updates and a more browser-friendly view. Please update your RSS feed service with our new URL, feeds.feedburner.com/bcr/bcreview/.


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July 13, 2007

WorldCat Social Networking Enhanced

WorldCat.org's social networking features continue to be improved with several enhancements installed on July 8, among them improved list searching, better privacy for profiles and resolutions for several problems.

Look for the following enhancements:

  • Fully translated registration screens
  • Improved list searching as unique list names will be required of all new lists
  • Improved usability as search boxes will auto-focus the user's cursor
  • Full support for the most popular Web browsers, including saving lists as CSV files in those browsers
  • Inclusion of the time and date in the CSV export file to indicate when items were added to list
  • Enhanced privacy for private profiles
  • Improved language and messaging on e-mail and list sharing pages
  • Improved user flow for editing profiles by removing redundant pages from the process
  • Improved user flow for saving items from other user's list

Several problems were resolved, including:

  • Inconsistencies in display (look and feel) between Library items, Lists and Contacts tabs on Search pages
  • Handling of OSC/WorldCat e-mail addresses
  • Display problem that prevented lists of more than 150 items from printing or showing (Owners of lists of this size will not need to take action, as their lists will work as expected after the installation is complete.)
  • Several accessibility issues

System enhancements also resulted in improvements to performance and responsiveness of lists functions.


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FirstSearch Patron Comments Now Can Go Directly to Library

As part of the July 8 enhancement, the WorldCat Services Administrative Module now allows a library to set an e-mail address to receive all FirstSearch patron comments, previously sent to OCLC Customer Support.

This enhancement improves service to the library and the patron, since any patron Comments can now be sent directly to the library. Prior to the enhancement, when patron comments were sent to OCLC Customer Support patrons were told to contact their reference librarian. By adding the direct Reference e-mail, patrons can be provided access to library help directly.

To enable this feature, log in to the Administrative Module (http://firstsearch.oclc.org/admin) with the library's ILL authorization number. Go to the Authentication/Access tab and the General subtab Comments field (graphic above) and enter the e-mail address that is to receive all FirstSearch patron comments. Only comments that are self-identified as patron (not staff) questions are forwarded to this e-mail address. Click the Save Changes button.

For additional assistance with this feature or with the WorldCat Administrative Module, contact BCR's Bethany Levrault (blevraul@bcr.org) or Heather Clark. (hclark@bcr.org)


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Three Collections Featured on CONTENTdm Web Site

This month, three collections from the CONTENTdm Collection of Collections are featured on the CONTENTdm Web site. The featured collections for July are e-Archives, Thomas Pim Cope Diaries and Historic Des Moines, Images of Des Moines 1904-1914.

e-Archives
Purdue University Libraries
The Purdue Libraries e-Archives, a digital library of select treasures from Archives and Special Collections, debuted in March 2006. Collections include Amelia Earhart's papers, photographs and videos relating to Purdue's history and the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth library of management videos.

Thomas Pim Cope Diaries
Haverford College
Thomas P. Cope was a successful Philadelphia merchant and Quaker who involved himself in a wide range of civic projects during the first half of the 19th century. He kept a regular diary between 1800 and 1851, with a gap between 1820 and 1843. In his diary, Cope records his own numerous activities, events taking place in Philadelphia and the wider world, and reflections on Quakerism, business and many other topics. This collection contains digital facsimiles of the diaries along with their full-text transcripts.

Historic Des Moines, Images of Des Moines 1904-1914
Drake University
Take a glimpse of Des Moines, Iowa, as it entered the 20th century. This collection contains photographs of homes, parks and public places taken between 1904 and 1914. The collection was created by scanning images from the original sources held by the Special Collections Department of Drake University's Cowles Library.

These are just a few of the many digital collections created by CONTENTdm users. To access the entire Collection of Collections go to www.contentdm.com/customers/index.html.


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Blackwell Book Service New WorldCat Selection Vendor

OCLC has announced that Blackwell Book Service has agreed to become an OCLC WorldCat Selection vendor.

Blackwell aims to help libraries keep the costs of identifying and acquiring books and e-books as low as possible. Its tools, services, customer relationships and partnerships are all built to create efficient workflows for libraries in the belief that the costs of acquiring books, if inefficient, can be greater than the costs of the books themselves. Ultimately, efficient acquisition enables libraries to make available to their patrons a larger part of the universe of scholarly information that could prove useful to them. Blackwell has offices in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia and the United States.

For more information on the WorldCat Selection service, visit www.oclc.org/selection/default.htm. A complete list of WorldCat Selection vendors, both currently active and forthcoming, is available at www.oclc.org/selection/partners/default.htm.


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Five Predefined Groups Added to WorldCat Collection Analysis

You can now compare your library's holdings to five new predefined groups in OCLC WorldCat Collection Analysis. The new groups are:

These new predefined groups are available to both individual and group subscribers and can be added via the FirstSearch Administrative Module. Instructions can be found at: www.oclc.org/support/documentation/collectionanalysis/quickreference/default.htm#predefined_group.

For the current list of all predefined groups, visit www.oclc.org/support/documentation/collectionanalysis/predefinedgroups.html.

For more information or for assistance adding a group via the Administrative Module, please contact Bethany Levrault (blevraul@bcr.org) or Heather Clark (hclark@bcr.org) at BCR.


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July 11, 2007

RefWorks, CSA Illumina, CSA Illustrata Are Subjects of BCR Online Sessions

BCR has scheduled three new one-hour sessions on our Products and Services Showcase (PSS). RefWorks will be the topic of sessions at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Tuesday, July 31. CSA Illumina is scheduled for those same times on Tuesday, August 14, and CSA Illustrata: Natural Sciences on Thursday, September 6. All will be presented by Aimée D. Leverette, Training & Information specialist.

RefWorks
RefWorks, an online research management, writing and collaboration tool, is designed to help researchers easily gather, manage, store and share all types of information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies. The July 31 session will serve as a general introduction to the most common methods of importing and exporting references from popular academic databases, organization of references, sharing and attachment options and bibliography creation.

CSA Illumina
CSA Illumina is designed to provide a simple, more user-friendly approach to searching for novice users, while maintaining powerful options for users who require them. The interface provides access to more than 100 databases published by CSA and its publishing partners. This session will serve as an introduction to the features and functionality of the platform, focusing on quick and advanced search pages, search results, search tools and browse options.

CSA Illustrata: Natural Sciences
CSA Illustrata: Natural Sciences provides Web-based access to indexed tables, figures, maps, graphs, charts and other images contained in scholarly articles from a variety of publishers. Users can display the full image, including captions and label text — all of which can be easily saved or imported and used for presentations, lectures or research. This session will provide an introduction to database content and full-text linking, search limits and options and results and display of various types of content found in the CSA Illustrata: Natural Sciences database.

For more information on BCR's Products and Services Showcase, visit www.bcr.org/training/online/pss/.


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Member Libraries Assistance Valuable in Maintaining WorldCat

An important part of the maintenance and improvement of OCLC WorldCat is performed by staff at OCLC member libraries who add call numbers, subjects, tables of contents and other data. They also upgrade minimal-level records and enhance full-level records. During the just-completed fiscal year 2007, OCLC cataloging member libraries accomplished the following:

  • Database enrichment: 130,659 records (a 23 percent increase from FY2006)
  • Minimal-level upgrades: 134,963 records (13 percent increase)
  • Enhance upgrades: 89,047 (14 percent increase)

For a refresher on what member libraries can do in each of these categories, take a look at the following sections of Bibliographic Formats & Standards (www.oclc.org/bibformats/):

  • Database Enrichment: section 5.4
  • Minimal-Level Upgrades: section 5.2
  • The Enhance Program: section 5.5

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BCR Offers Discount to WebSearch University

BCR is sponsoring a discounted rate for the upcoming WebSearch University 2007 conference, September 17-18, at the Washington Marriott. The discount is offered in cooperation with Information Today, Inc. Staff from BCR member libraries may attend using BCR's group registration rate of $395 for the two-day event. The rate without BCR's discount is $495. No discount is available for pre- or post-conference seminars.

Detailed program information is found at www.websearchu.com/. For more information about the discount, contact BCR's Stephanie Jauregui at sjauregu@bcr.org, (800) 397-1552 or (303) 751-6277.

Make your check payable to Information Today, Inc. To receive the discount, by August 10 send your payment and the completed registration form — use www.websearchu.com/WSU2007_Registration.pdf — to BCR: 14394 E. Evans Avenue, Aurora Colorado, 80014-1478.


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July 09, 2007

Test Drive Ovid's Resource of the Month

Each month, Ovid provides subscribers with the opportunity to investigate a sampling of its content, tools and services — FREE of charge — through the Resource of the Month program. The July Resource of the Month includes two databases: Disaster Medicine & Public Health Preparedness and Social Work Abstracts PLUS. Take a test drive!

Disaster Medicine & Public Health Preparedness is a joint publication with the American Medical Association and is aimed at all health care and public health professionals, the emergency management community and others who are essential to effective disaster planning and response. Social Work Abstracts PLUS, from the National Association of Social Workers, is available electronically only from Ovid. Comprised of two unique databases, Social Work Abstracts and The Register of Clinical Social Workers, this resource contains information on the fields of social work and human services from 1977 to present.

Ovid makes a different combination of resources available each month, so be sure to check back regularly to see what new resources are available.

More News from Ovid
Ovid has added a number of new books to Books@Ovid. Included are:

  • Differential Diagnosis of Orthopaedic Oncology; Adam Greenspan, Gernot Jundt, and Wolfgang Remagen; LWW; 2nd Edition
  • Osteoarthritis; Kenneth D. Brandt, Michael Doherty and L. Stefan Lohmander; LWW; 4th Edition
  • CT Urography: An Atlas, Stuart G. Silverman and Richard H. Cohan MD, LWW, 1st Edition
  • Urology, Michael T. Macfarlane, LWW, 4th Edition
  • Treatment Planning in Radiation Oncology; Faiz M. Khan, LWW, 2nd Edition
  • Pediatric Neurology: A Case Based Review; Tena Rosser, LWW, 1st Edition

Find out more at the Books@Ovid Web site.

For pricing on any Ovid product through BCR, fill out our online quote request form. Questions? Contact Karen Graham (kgraham@bcr.org) at BCR.


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Connexion Client Tutorials Updated

A number of OCLC Connexion Client tutorials covering the various features of the client have been updated.

The newly revised tutorials include:

  • Overview
  • How to use the Local Save File
  • Managing Constant Data
  • Creating Bibliographic Records
  • Editing Bibliographic Records
  • Controlling Headings in Bibliographic Records
  • Taking Final Actions on Bibliographic Records
  • Batch Processing
  • Non-Latin script cataloging

The tutorials are available at www.oclc.org/support/training/connexion/client/tutorial/default.htm


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WorldCat Resource Sharing Enhancements Installed

On Sunday, July 8, OCLC installed two enhancements to WorldCat Resource Sharing.

The enhancements include:

  • GAC, GAC/UL and UL affiliations displayed in lender requests — Lenders in WorldCat Resource Sharing (WCRS) will see a list of all the GACs, GAC/ULs and ULs to which both they and the requesting library belong. This enhancement will allow lenders to more easily recognize partners with whom they have lending agreements and more accurately make policy decisions and apply constant data and lending charges.
  • .PDF shipping label capability in batch processing — From the batch processing screen users will be able to export shipping labels to a .PDF. WCRS will support the following label formats: 5160, 5162 and 5164. Once a lender has updated a pending or in process request via batch processing or a borrower has updated requests to returned, the lender can select a button to print shipping labels.

Additional information can be accessed on OCLC's WorldCat Resource Sharing Web page.


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FirstSearch Database Documentation Available

The latest edition of OCLC FirstSearch Service Databases is now available, in print and online versions. This semiannual publication contains the essential information on all available FirstSearch databases. This edition also contains essential information on the 10 Eureka databases formerly available on RLG's Eureka service, that will be available on FirstSearch soon.

This publication also is available in French and Spanish translations. To access the online versions, please go to the FirstSearch documentation Web page and scroll down to FirstSearch Databases in Brief.

  • To request printed copies of this publication, send an e-mail request to orders@oclc.org
  • To request a copy of the English-language edition, ask for OCLC FirstSearch Service Databases (product code:PRM2857)
  • To request a copy of the French-language edition, ask for Bases de données du service OCLC FirstSearch (product code: PRM1006)
  • To request a copy of the Spanish-language edition, ask for Bases de datos del Servicio OCLC FirstSearch (product code: PRM2934)


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July 05, 2007

OCLC Quality Control and CIP Upgrading Activities — FY 2006-07 Recap

For the fiscal year just concluded (July 2006 through June 2007), OCLC staff completed a number of quality control and CIP upgrading activities. Many of the changes resulted from the processing of 151,310 change requests, an increase of 89 percent over the same period of fiscal year 2006.

OCLC staff:

  • Corrected 2,323,287 bibliographic records
  • Performed 37,100 merges resulting in the deletion of 42,803 bibliographic records
  • Added 267 new authority records
  • Updated 4,490 authority records
  • Referred 324 authority records (name and subject) to the Library of Congress for resolution

During the same time period, OCLC CIP Upgrade Unit staff:

  • Upgraded 20,946 CIP records
  • Added 723 new authority records
  • Updated 835 authority records

These figures for authority records include 365 new series authority records and updates to 126 existing series authority records. This activity with series authorities is more than double the past year's activity and is the direct result of OCLC's response to the Library of Congress ceasing series authority work.


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CIVICTechnologies' GIS Product Focus of BCR Information Session

Marc Futterman of CIVICTechnologies explores BusinessDecision during a new BCR Products and Services Showcase (PSS) session scheduled for Tuesday, July 17. Register for either the 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. session, and learn how your library can meet the needs of small business owners. See more on BCR's Web site.


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LC Weekly List Updates Available

The Library of Congress Classification Weekly List 25, dated June 29, 2007, is now available from www.loc.gov/aba/cataloging/classification/weeklylists.

The Library of Congress Subject Headings Weekly List No. 24, dated June 13, 2007, is now available from www.loc.gov/aba/cataloging/subject/weeklylists.

Among recently established subject headings are:

  • Aggressive driving
  • Bent glass
  • Children of blue collar workers
  • Choppers (Motorcycles)
  • Christian transgender people
  • Cresbard, Lake (S.D.)
  • Financial literacy
  • Fish River (Nome Census Area, Alaska)
  • Hawkgirl (Fictitious character)
  • Kambitsch family
  • Living wills
  • Music for yoga
  • Newlyweds
  • Presidential libraries--Finance
  • Prophecy in music
  • Religion and civil society
  • Tailgating (Driving)
  • Transgender people
  • Trout Creek (Wasatch County, Utah)
  • Young adult poetry, Canadian


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New Posts on The Dewey Blog Reflect Recent Events

Take some time to visit 025.431: The Dewey blog, a discussion of any and all things concerning the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system. The blog covers a wide variety of topics, including tips on classifying works about hurricanes to what to do with works on subjects related to melamine contamination of food.

Some of the topics relevant to recent events include:

  • Tips on classifying works about hurricanes, from prediction and preparation to recovery.
  • Links to information about the representation of the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme in the MARC 21 formats.
  • A request for comments on a discussion paper exploring improvements to DDC's provisions for people by gender.
  • Advice on classifying works on ancient shell beads and bead jewelry.
  • What to do with works on subjects related to melamine contamination of food.
  • An explanation of the difference between immigration and emigration, and the variety of locations in DDC where resources on both topics may be classed.
  • If you're new to DDC, you can find an introduction at www.oclc.org/dewey/versions/ddc22print/intro.pdf.


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    July 03, 2007

    We've Moved Our RSS Feed!

    The BCReview RSS feed has moved. Our new RSS feed will improve BCR's ability to communicate with you through faster notification of updates and a more browser-friendly view. Please update your RSS feed service with our new URL, feeds.feedburner.com/bcr/bcreview/.


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    July 02, 2007

    Library of Congress to Create Subject Authority Records for Bibliographic Validation Purposes

    The Cataloging Policy and Support Office (CPSO) of the Library of Congress (LC) has begun a project to create subject authority records for every subject heading string appearing in its bibliographic records. This is intended to aid Library of Congress catalogers and external users of LC MARC bibliographic records in the validation of LC subject heading (LCSH) strings. Formerly, most subject strings did not prompt the creation of subject authority records because they contained free-floating subdivision(s).

    Some of the records are being created manually by the Cataloging Policy and Support Office staff, and some will be generated by machine, but all will be reviewed before distribution occurs. CPSO anticipates that at least 200 records per month will be generated at the start of this project. These records will not be printed in the annual editions of LCSH (the "red books"). Each of these records will contain a 667 field with this data: "Record generated for validation purposes."

    For details, please see the CDS announcement of May 25, 2007, at www.loc.gov/cds/notices/2007-05-25-Subject_Authority_Validation_Records.pdf.

    LC has already distributed some sample records for the following headings:

    sh2007003369 Abandoned children--Bolivia--Abstracts sh2007003373 Abnormalities, Human--Abstracts sh2007003371 United States--Administrative and political divisions--Bibliography sh2007003372 United States--Administrative and political divisions--Directories

    OCLC users may find these records in the OCLC Authority File, available through the Connexion browser and client, and the Z39.50 interface to WorldCat. Like all other authority records, these records can be utilized to control headings in WorldCat bibliographic records.

    Please send any questions or comments about this new LC practice to cpso@loc.gov. Questions concerning the OCLC Authority File and functionality may be directed to Linda Gonzalez (lgonzale@bcr.org) or Bethany Levrault (blevraul@bcr.org) at BCR.


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    GIS Analytic Tool Helps Make Informed Decisions, Improve Library Services

    Deliver more effective public services at your library using GIS data culled from CIVICTechnologies' LibraryDecision. BCR now offers this analytic tool that uses geographic information systems-based software applications to help you as a library administrator better understand your patrons and community and help you make the critical decisions that affect future library services. The goal of this GIS program: to provide you with the tools you need to deliver more effective library services and present more pertinent information to your governing boards.

    LibraryDecision's modules use patron, community, population and voter data to analyze key factors related to a library's viability, future needs, funding decisions, expansion issues, etc., through four products: SnapShot, Patron, Planner and Voter.

    • SnapShot is a situational analysis that helps public library administrators grasp the big picture characteristics of their community through the use of data, maps, analysis and an interpretive summary that clarifies the key demographic issues facing the library.
    • Patron analyzes patron use and checkouts to inform patron development. Patron uses geographic information systems to correlate library use data and lifestyle segmentation data in order to identify new patrons that have the highest probability of using the library.
    • Voter helps library administrators win library-related ballot elections. Voter utilizes geographic information systems to compare historical voter data and library use data in order to predict the voters will help win library funding campaigns.
    • Planner is a web service that helps library administrators plan branch service areas. Planner provides geographic information systems and other tools to plan multiple scenarios in real time that include three population forecasts, nine service indicators, and dozens of thematic maps that compare demographics and service levels between outlet service areas.

    More information is provided at www.bcr.org/reference/civictechnologies/index.html.


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    OCLC Offers New Database

    OCLC is offering a new database, CAMIO, the Catalog of Art Museum Images Online. CAMIO is a premiere resource of works of art from around the world contributed and described by leading museums.

    Showcasing a wide range of fine and decorative art, CAMIO provides high-quality art images for education, research and enjoyment. All content is rights-cleared for educational use. CAMIO features:

    • High-resolution art images — Every work in CAMIO is represented by at least one high-resolution image and a description. Many have additional views of the work, sound, video and curatorial notes.
    • An educational tool — Students, faculty, researchers, museum professionals and library visitors will find CAMIO to be a valuable tool. CAMIO provides images for art history and studio art programs, course Web sites, lectures, presentations, class projects and research resources. It is a single point of entry to many collections, providing unlimited and powerful, Web-based searching.
    • About 90,000 works of art — The scope of the CAMIO collection ranges from 3000 BC to the present. The content includes about 90,000 works of art—photographs, paintings, sculpture, decorative and utilitarian objects, prints, drawings and watercolors, jewelry and costumes, textiles and architecture—plus audio, video and mixed media. Difficult-to-find contemporary art is one of its strengths.

    For more information see BCR Web site at www.bcr.org/reference/OCLC/camio.html.


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    Take Advantage of Expanded Training Opportunities

    BCR members have access to a variety of training options through BCR's training program. One valuable resource is the Network Educational Exchange (NEE), a cooperative program of the education services of the Alliance of Library Services Networks. An updated schedule is now available. Check out some of the workshops your BCR membership allows you to access.

    Upcoming workshops in the NEE schedule include topics such as Weeding Your Library, Risk Management: Knowing your Responsibilities; Collaborating with Faculty in Information Literacy Programs; Kids Stuff on the Web; and much more. Library staff in any of BCR's member states may enroll in designated online workshops at any of the other currently participating networks and pay that network's member rates for the workshop. Students register directly with the sponsoring network. The only caveat is that students are required to pay by credit card.

    Visit the BCR training partners Web page to learn more and to access the full list of NEE workshops available to all BCR member libraries. Questions? Contact Regan Harper (rharper@bcr.org) at BCR.


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    WorldCat.org Functionality Enhanced for FirstSearch Subscribers

    WorldCat.org now has functionality that allows all FirstSearch IP-authenticated users to see all holding institutions for a given item, regardless of subscription status, just as those users would see in OCLC FirstSearch. This applies to any user whose IP is in the range specified in the WorldCat Services Administrative Module. Nonauthenticated users, the majority of traffic to WorldCat.org, will continue to see only those libraries that participate in the WorldCat.org program.

    This change was made to enhance library users' experience on WorldCat.org and fully deliver WorldCat to FirstSearch subscribers' patrons.

    Worldcat.org continues OCLC's efforts — begun with the Open WorldCat program — to make library resources more visible to Web users and increase awareness of libraries as a primary source of reliable information and helpful personal assistance.


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    OCLC Connexion Client 2.00 Released

    Connexion client 2.00 is now available. For more detail and to download the client, go to www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/recent.htm.

    Enhancements to the new version of the software include the ability to:

    • Display your toolbar on two rows
    • Use shorter menus: Edit, Action, View and Tools menus are rearranged
    • Use Z39.50 access via the client to retrieve bibliographic records from your local system to create authority records or add bibliographic records to WOCLC orldCat
    • Use RLIN21 keyboards for Arabic, Cyrillic, Hebrew and Latin scripts
    • Use Unicode control characters for Arabic and Hebrew script cataloging
    • Use automatic switch from non-Latin to English mode for delimiter and subfield code
    • Use institution records
    • Use new OCLC macros in the macro book OCLC.mbk

    OCLC does not expect to discontinue 1.7X until a future release of the client is available. You are not required to upgrade to 2.00. However, OCLC recommends that you upgrade to 2.00 to have the most current features available.


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    Oxford to Release Two New Online Resources

    BCR member libraries can anticipate two new online resources from Oxford University Press in September — Encyclopedia of Popular Music and Electronic Enlightenment.

    The Encyclopedia of Popular Music, considered to be the most comprehensive reference work devoted exclusively to popular music, will be available online for the first time. This unique resource is regularly updated, provides such information as complete discographies for covered artists, down to record labels and release dates. Not only rock & roll, genres covered include folk, jazz, rap, techno and more. This online edition will include 50 percent more material than in the current 10-volume print edition. Further information, including sample content, can be found at www.oup.com/online/epm/.

    Electronic Enlightenment offers online access to 18th century primary sources. The user can cross-search letters from more than 3,500 writers, scientists, philosophers, politicians, political thinkers and others who are considered some of the founders of the modern world. Updated twice a year, this resource provides original language editions and is searchable through all fields. Other more personal features include "My EE" where users can contribute or suggest additional resources to the EE editors, as well as the "EE Study Desk" where researchers are able to record the results of their searches for quick reference and continued use. Discover more facts and details at www.oup.com/online/ee/.

    To request a trial, contact oxfordonline@oup.com.

    Additional information for Oxford products can be found at BCR's Web page: www.bcr.org/reference/OUP/index.html.


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