Aleph Update: Connexion 2.0 available

Subject: Aleph Update: Connexion 2.0 available
From: Allison Powers
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:53:22 -0400

This message will be of interest to cataloging and acquisitions staff.

Libraries wishing to upgrade may now install the new version of OCLC's cataloging client, Connexion 2.0. A full list of features offered in Connexion 2.0 is available at http://www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/recent.htm. Libraries are not required to upgrade to Connexion 2.0. OCLC will not discontinue version 1.7 until a future release of Connexion is available.

Library staff making the transition from RLIN21 to Connexion should plan to complete the process by the RLIN21 retirement date of August 31, 2007.

Connexion 2.0 accommodates RLG Union Catalog records and cataloging practices by making RLG "cluster" records, now called Institution Records (IR) available in WorldCat. Institution Records are linked to OCLC Master Records and provide additional copies of the WorldCat record, as cataloged by individual institutions, retaining each libraries local data and notes. Connexion 2.0 makes Master Records and Institution Records available to all users. RLIN21 users migrating to Connexion 2.0 may prefer the cataloging in Institution Records; existing Connexion users may continue to prefer cataloging in the OCLC Master Record.

All users should be aware of changes to OCLC's MARC bibliographic format coding and practice for Institution Records.

OCLC's Institution Records contain an 079 field. Field 079 is a new, non-repeatable field that appears in OCLC's Institution Records only. Field 079 contains the OCLC number of the linked Master Record. Institution Records are also assigned their own unique OCLC number. When an Institution Record is exported to Aleph the OCLC number for the Master Record will continue to be placed in the 035 field with first indicator 0. The Institution Record's OCLC number is moved to an 035 with a new first indicator of 2. OCLC number in Institution Records will be added to Aleph's existing OCLC number indexes and will be searchable by browsing 'Number: OCLC No.' index or by performing a command search using the KON tag.

Institution Records cannot be used to overlay an Aleph record. All Connexion 2.0 users may export Institution Records to Aleph, but OCLC does not permit editing of Institution Records except by members cataloging under that institution's holding symbol. Since Institution Records contributed by other institutions cannot be edited, they cannot be used to target an Aleph record. Catalogers may take advantage of additional data in Institution Records by copying it into the Master Record and using the modified Master Record to overlay a record in Aleph. Targeting an Aleph Bibliographic Record from OCLC and How to import a Bibliographic Record from OCLC have been updated on the Aleph documentation web site to include these limitations.

An OCLC tutorial on Institution Records is available at http://www.oclc.org/support/training/connexion/client/tutorial/default.htm.

Institution Records currently accessible in WorldCat are the bibliographic "cluster" records migrated from the RLG Union Catalog. During the next phase of the RLG transition, OCLC will begin loading Institution Records for libraries that are sending records from their local systems which includes all Harvard libraries. Institution Records for Harvard will begin appearing in WorldCat as the OCLC Reclamation project progresses. Harvard's Institution Records will be added, updated and deleted automatically by batch processes. More information on the RLG integration and WorldCat is available in OCLC Tech Bulletin 254.

Z39.50 access to Institution Records will require configuration of OCLCInstitutionRecords as a new target. Z39.50 searching of OCLCInstitutionRecords is limited to OCLC number and holding library. OIS is investigating Z39.50 access to Institution Records, and will notify libraries when it is available.

Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions.

Allison

Allison Powers
Office for Information Systems
Harvard University Library
90 Mt. Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-495-3724