What site do you search for most often? If the search form is simple enough, you might be able to use an OpenSearch browser plugin!
Clear your bookmarks bar with OpenSearch browser plugins
Reply
Save early and often with this Connexion macro
The OCLC online save file is handy for storing and sharing original records in progress, but its behavior discourages saving often. You can eliminate some of this hassle by using my new Connexion macro to save your records!
Pressing keys quickly (and more!) with AutoHotkey
Why can’t you copy the Voyager bib number for reliable pasting into email and other records? I can do it now, along with a million other little things, using AutoHotkey macros.
.
Library Crossword #1
I have recently started constructing crosswords as a hobby! Guess what the topic of the first one is?
You can download the crossword as either a PDF or PUZ (for use in crossword software such as Across Lite). The solution is also available.
I am in the middle of constructing another, so comments are most welcome.
Update: Sorry to anyone who tried to download the solution! The link is now fixed.
Raider of the lost MARC: retrieving deleted/replaced Voyager records
I’ve never worked with Backstage Library Works but always enjoy their postcards.
Have you ever overlaid (or just deleted) the wrong record in Voyager? If you have server access, you can retrieve the old copy of such a record with one command.
Series Treatment Decisions with Connexion Macros
How many times are you willing to type the same thing over and over again? If the last time was once too many, it may be time to write a macro!
Hackathon!
LOGON PLEASE:
The first week back from winter break was a short one. I was unsure about whether to hold my regular Friday morning meeting with my group, but they came prepared and a mini hackathon ensued!
To be clear, I don’t supervise programmers; my group is entirely catalogers.
Normalizing RDA capitalization with OCLC Connexion macros
One immediately noticeable difference in RDA records is capitalization that differs from the AACR2 standard. Depending on the cataloger, the same movie might have its title recorded as any of:
- Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf?
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
- Who’s Afraid of VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Is this okay? If not, what can we do about it?
What not to search for
Recently, one of our catalogers was searching for OCLC copy for the DVD of the film The girl with the dragon tattoo. He (very reasonably) typed:
girl with the dragon tattoo
into the title field of Connexion. He got no hits. Why?
Cards killed the cataloging code?
This card catalog near my desk includes hand-written cards from as recently as 2010.
“AACR2 is not appropriate for today’s cataloging environment, because it was developed in the age of catalog cards.” I keep hearing this assertion, and always wonder… what is the actual problem?