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Learner guide: Connexion client 1 - Foundations of Connexion client

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Course overview

This course provides foundational knowledge about OCLC Connexion client software and the copy cataloging workflow. This course will give you the information you need to be able to set up Connexion client, navigate the program and perform basic copy cataloging.

OCLC strongly recommends that newly assigned copy catalogers take Foundations of Connexion client, Bibliographic searching, and Record editing and processing in sequence. Together, these three modules provide the foundation of knowledge for newly assigned copy catalogers to work successfully with Connexion client.

Additionally, OCLC strongly recommends viewing MARC Bibliographic Basics . This video provides a brief introduction to the MARC bibliographic format.


 Note:  This learner guide is designed to accompany the Connexion client 1: Foundations of Connexion client course.

Navigation

Options available on the menu bar: 

Choose an input method

Connexion client offers users several options for inputting commands. The option you choose may be based on preference and/or how often you use the command. 

  • If you use the command/task on occasion, use the menus.
  • If you use the command daily, use the toolbar.
  • If you use the command on every record, use the keystroke shortcuts.

Function keys 

Configure basic tools

Authorizations, startup, and export destination options will enable efficient sign-on processes and ensure files are properly exported.

  1. Authorizations: Store authorizations and passwords to use for automatic sign-in and for batch processes. The authorizations stored here are computer specific.
    • Open Tools>Options>Authorizations 
  2. Startup options: Set tasks to occur when Connexion client opens, such as sign-in and display the search screen. 
    • Open Tools>Options>General>Startup options 
  3. Set export destination: Create, edit, and delete an export destination in Connexion client. 
    • Open Tools>Options>Export

Navigate through records in Connexion client

Open a single record Open a sequential series of records Open non-sequential series of records
  1. Highlight single record 
  2. Double- click or Single-click and Press Enter
  1. Highlight first record 
  2. Hold Shift key and click last record in sequence 
  3. Press Enter
  1. Highlight first record
  2. Hold Ctrl key and click next desired record
  3. Repeat for other desired records
  4. Press Enter
  • Use View > Pinned to display multiple records or screens simultaneously for comparison.
  • Use Windows to move among open screens and view them vertically or horizontally.

Customize WorldCat search display in Connexion client

Follow path: Cataloging > Search > WorldCat > Settings Set an option to determine the way WorldCat search results display:
  • Always display as a brief list
  • Always display as a truncated list
  • Always display a full record (if multiple records are retrieved, displays first record in the list).

 Note: You can also toggle between list brief and truncated display using View > List Type > Brief [or Truncated].

Copy cataloging

Copy cataloging is the process of finding a matching bibliographic record for an item, editing the record (as necessary), setting library holdings in WorldCat, and then optionally exporting the record for use in your local system. 

Copy catalog process

  • Find a matching record: Cataloging menu  
  • Edit record (optional): Edit menu 
  • Set holdings and/or export record: Action menu 

Record field matching

Compare information in these fields against the item you want to catalog.

Field Description Contains
245 Title Statement

‡a Title Proper             

‡b Remainder of Title 

‡c Statement of Responsibility  
250 Edition Statement ‡a Edition Statement 
260 or 264 Publication, Production, Distribution, etc. 

‡a Place of Publication 

‡b Publisher 

‡c Date of Publication 

300

 Physical Description

‡a Extent 

‡b Other Physical Details 

‡c Dimensions 

 

Helpful tools 

Connexion client offers several helpful options to assist with copy cataloging.

  • Help menu 
    • Find client help topics
    • Useful Web Links
    • Contact support
  • MARC field help
  • Bibliographic formats and standards
    • A guide to the structure, coding practices, and input standards used in bibliographic records in WorldCat.  It provides definitions, guidelines, and examples for how to edit and interpret information in WorldCat records. 
  • Authorization number requests
    • Request new authorizations, changes, and/or deletions to existing authorizations
    • For questions about authorizations, contact OCLC Order services

Test your knowledge

  1. Where can you enter your cataloging authorization to store it for subsequent uses and batch processes in Connexion client?    
    1. Tools > Options
    2. File > Logon
    3. Actions > Holdings
    4. Cataloging > Search
       
  2. What is the basic copy cataloging workflow?  Bonus: Under what menus can you find these actions?     
    Step 1:                                   Corresponding menu:
    Step 2:                                   Corresponding menu:
    Step 3:                                    Corresponding menu:
     
  3. If you edit a record in Connexion, the changes you make are automatically reflected on the WorldCat record for others to use.
    1. True
    2. False
       
  4. What is the best way to see both a toolbar button and a function key for a command?    
    1. Check the documentation for the command you want to perform.
    2. Hover over each toolbar button to see the corresponding command. 
    3. Open the menu where the command is located to see both the toolbar button and the function key
    4. Ask your co-worker for help.
       
  5. How can you compare multiple records from a results list?      
    1. Display then print each record you want to view.
    2. View and pin the first record, then repeat the process to display and pin additional records.
    3. This cannot be done in Connexion client.
    4. Use Windows > Tile vertically to display records from the results list. 
Answer key
  1. Tools > Options
     
  2. Step 1:  Find a matching record                               Corresponding menu: Cataloging
    Step 2:  Edit (optional)                                                   Corresponding menu: Edit
    Step 3:  Set holdings and Export                              Corresponding menu: Action
     
  3. False
     
  4. Open the menu where the command is located to see both the toolbar button and the function key.
     
  5. View and pin the first record, then repeat the process to display and pin additional records

Supplemental information

We look forward to seeing you in the next class!