NEWS FROM OCLC
Compiled by Jay Weitz
For the 2004 OLAC Conference
End-of-Life Dates for OCLC Cataloging Systems
As of May 1, 2005, all users of Passport for Cataloging must migrate to either the Connexion browser or the Connexion client. As of July 1, 2005, all users of CatME, CJK and Arabic must migrate to the Connexion client. In June 2005, OCLC will retire Passport for Union List, and Connexion will support local holdings (LDR) maintenance. OCLC will release more details over the next few months. Migration options are:
OCLC Connexion browser
- The browser option has easy Internet access, simple searching, easy cataloging of Internet resources, no extra software to install and maintain, and automated heading verifications.
- OCLC Connexion browser contains all Passport for cataloging functionality except for macros and truncated lists. Macros will not be supported in the browser (they 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 <http://connexion.oclc.org> using existing cataloging authorization and password.
- Connexion browser documentation, including a tutorial, can be found at <http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/browser/default.htm>.
OCLC Connexion client
- The client option is a powerful, flexible Windows-based interface with productivity-boosting enhancements, including macros, additional keyboard customization--all navigation and cataloging actions can be performed using assignable key combinations--and integrated label printing.
- Version 1.20, scheduled for 4th quarter 2004, will contain most CatME functionality. This version will add NACO support, authority file searching enhancements, and local files including batch processing.
- Version 1.30, scheduled for 1st quarter 2005, will add the remainder of CatME functionality, WorldCat true keyword searching, truncated lists, and CJK support.
- Version 1.40, scheduled for 2nd quarter 2005, will add support for Arabic cataloging.
- To begin using the Connexion client, download it at <http://psw.oclc.org/software.htm>.
- Connexion client documentation, including a tutorial, can be found at <http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/client/default.htm>.
To learn more about migrating to Connexion, visit the Connexion migration Website at <http://www.oclc.org/connexion/migrating/default.htm>.
Connexion Client Version 1.20 Coming 4th Quarter 2004
Connexion client version 1.20 will be released during 4th quarter 2004 and will include the following enhancements: Authority File searching enhancements, NACO functionality, review records, offline cataloging, local save files, local constant data, batch processing, text strings, actions on multiple records from a list, and various miscellaneous enhancements. During 2005 and beyond, Connexion client 1.30 and later versions will include: WorldCat searching enhancements including "true" keyword searching and several new browse indexes, local accessions list, spell check, offline validation, drop down lists of valid values for fixed field elements, terminal sessions, Spanish interface, and Arabic and CJK script cataloging.
Implementation of AACR2, 2004 Update
Library of Congress catalogers began to apply new and changed rules from the 2004 Update to AACR2 on September 1, 2004. The 2004 AACR2 Update and its related Library of Congress Rule Interpretations became available to subscribers of LC’s Cataloger’s Desktop on that date. Printed copies of the LCRIs have been distributed by the Cataloging Distribution Service. A list of the changes in the 2004 AACR2 Update has been posted on LC’s Cataloging Policy and Support Office Website <http://lcweb.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/2004upd.html>. OCLC recommended that member libraries also begin applying these new and changed rules on that date. To purchase copies of the update from ALA Publishing, please visit the ALA Website at <http://www.alastore.ala.org/>.
Registry of Digital Masters Record Creation Guidelines Released
The first release of the "Registry of Digital Masters Record Creation Guidelines" is available at <http://www.diglib.org/collections/reg/reg.htm>. The Registry of Digital Masters is intended to assist with access to digital materials, as well as to provide a tool to help librarians reduce duplication of digitization and preservation efforts. The Registry is available through OCLC WorldCat and is based on the DLF Digital Registry documents and MARC 21. Created by a DLF/OCLC working group, the Guidelines can be used to create metadata for born digital and digitized monographs and serials, including materials that an organization will digitize in the near future. To be listed in the Registry, materials must be digitized according to standards and best practices with preservation in mind.
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Last updated: December 27, 2004
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