News From OCLC
Compiled by Jay Weitz
For OLAC Newsletter Vol. 28, No. 1, March 2008
Connexion Client Version 2.10 Available for Download
Connexion client version 2.10 is available for download from the Software download area of Product Services Web. You will be required to upgrade to version 2.10 by 2008 April 1. An upgrade warning message will begin appearing when you start version 1.7X or 2.00 beginning in early February 2008. If you have been using version 1.7X, you can use the enhancements from version 2.00 in addition to the enhancements in version 2.10. For more detail and to download the client, go to Connexion client recent enhancements. http://www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/recent.htm. Enhancements in version 2.10 include:
- Use new macro commands GetListCellData and GetListCellDataUnicode to retrieve data from lists.
- Set an option to be warned before you export when unlinked non-Latin fields are present in a record.
- Select one of multiple headings in a bibliographic field to lock a linked authority record.
- Control genre headings in fields tagged 655 second indicator zero.
- Display language of cataloging from field 040 subfield $b in WorldCat search results lists.
- See the code S for SCIPIO records in the Library type column in WorldCat search results lists.
- See the SCIPIO date of sale in hyphenated format (1899-08-19) in WorldCat search results lists.
- Export and import in Dublin Core Qualified, Dublin Core Simple, OCLC Dublin Core Qualified, and OCLC Dublin Core Simple.
- Include non-Latin data in 4XX, 7XX and selected 6XX fields in authority records when Library of Congress makes this available no earlier than April 2008.
OCLC to Conduct New Cataloging and Metadata Pilot
OCLC is conducting a pilot project to explore the viability and efficiency of capturing metadata from publishers and vendors upstream and enhancing that metadata in WorldCat, an approach that could provide added value to libraries and publishers by enhancing and delivering data that can work in multiple contexts and systems. The pilot will begin in January 2008 and involves libraries and the publisher supply chain. Public and academic libraries will be represented in the pilot along with a variety of publishers and vendors. OCLC will announce participants as the project gets under way. The next generation cataloging and metadata service pilot follows release of a "Report on the Future of Bibliographic Control" by the Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control, formed by the Library of Congress to address changes in how libraries must do their work in the digital information era. The ability to leverage upstream publisher data effectively is central to the Working Group's recommendations. More information about the next generation cataloging and metadata service pilot can be found at http://www.oclc.org/productworks/nextgencataloging.htm.
OCLC Connexion Import for Digital Collections Now Available
The new OCLC Connexion digital import feature allows catalogers using the Connexion client (version 2.0) to add digital items to CONTENTdm collections during the Connexion cataloging process. This new feature streamlines digital collection creation by integrating it with standard cataloging workflows. The latest release of the CONTENTdm® Digital Collection Management Software (version 4.3) supports the Connexion digital import and makes it's even easier for libraries to integrate digital collection growth into their current cataloging workflows. Connexion catalogers can attach a digital file (or files, if more than one digital file is associated with the same record) to their WorldCat record by using the Connexion client. The digital file is then added to the designated CONTENTdm collection along with its associated metadata record. Metadata records are mapped to Qualified Dublin Core when added to the CONTENTdm collection, TIFF images are converted to JPEG2000, and OCR is performed for TIFF images comprising compound objects. PDF processing occurs if enabled in the CONTENTdm collection. Additionally, the OCLC number from the WorldCat record is added to the new OCLC number administrative field in CONTENTdm. Digital items added to CONTENTdm using the Connexion client are discoverable from OCLC FirstSearch, WorldCat.org, and WorldCat Local. Each digital item added to CONTENTdm using the Connexion client is associated with its WorldCat record via a persistent URL based on the OCLC number (WorldCat accession number) of the WorldCat record. The persistent URL of the form www.worldcat.org/oclc//viewonline now provides one-click access to digital content. By integrating digital collection creation with standard cataloging workflows, Connexion digital import provides an additional option for organizations looking to expand participation in growing and maintaining their digital collections. The Connexion digital import requires both an OCLC Cataloging subscription and the use of CONTENTdm Hosting Services. CONTENTdm offers a complete set of tools to store, manage and deliver digital collections such as documents, photos, newspapers, audio and video on the Web. More information about the Connexion digital import is available at: http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/client/cataloging/bibactions/#cat_act_attach_digital_files.
Library Leaders to Extend Virtual International Authority File
OCLC, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek, and the Library of Congress have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend and enhance the Virtual International Authority File (VIAF), a project which virtually combines multiple name authority files into a single name authority service. Building on a previous proof-of-concept research project by OCLC, the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (the German national library), and the Library of Congress, the new agreement adds the Bibliothèque nationale de France (the French national library) as a principal partner in VIAF and will lead to the inclusion of content from name authority files maintained by the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The French name authority records will be added to the existing VIAF files built from authority data from the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek and the Library of Congress. VIAF's matching routines were developed by OCLC Research. The long-term goal of the VIAF project is to include authoritative names from many libraries into a global service that will be freely available via the Web to users worldwide. The addition of content from Bibliothèque nationale de France represents the initial step in expanding the scope of VIAF. The newly signed agreement also provides a framework for adding more authority files from other agencies over time. VIAF represents a significant step toward interoperability among library bibliographic agencies. By linking disparate names for the same person or organization, VIAF will in the near-term provide a convenient means for a wider community of libraries and agencies to make greater reuse of bibliographic data produced by libraries in English-, French-, and German-speaking communities, and is expected to provide the same advantages to an even wider assortment of language communities in the years to come.
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Last updated: March 21, 2008
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