+ Page 1 + ----------------------------------------------------------------- Public-Access Computer Systems News Volume 4, Number 4 (1993) ISSN 1050-6004 Editors: Dana Rooks (LIBL@UHUPVM1) and Linda Thompson (LIB1J@UHUPVM1). Issued on an irregular basis by University Libraries, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-2091. ----------------------------------------------------------------- CONTENTS VTLS CREATES NATIONAL UNION CATALOG FOR FINLAND, 1 AUTO-GRAPHICS TO OFFER GPO DATABASE EXTRACTION SERVICE, 2 BIP TO UNDERGO MAJOR CONVERSION, 2 OCLC TESTS MULTI-SYSTEM ACCESS SOFTWARE, 4 INTERNET ACCESS TO LC INFORMATION FILES, 5 NEW RLG MEMBERS, 6 VTLS CREATES NATIONAL UNION CATALOG FOR FINLAND The Automation Unit of Finnish Research Libraries, Finnish Ministry of Education has contracted with VTLS Inc. to create a national, online union catalog containing holdings of all the Finnish academic and some other research libraries. The union database is part of the automation plan known as LINNEA (Library Information Network for Academic Libraries), consisting of 22 libraries throughout Finland that use the VTLS integrated, online library software. The national union catalog, called LINDA, will reside on a dedicated Hewlett-Packard 3000/992/100DX computer. The machine is located at the Computer Center of Helsinki University and is connected to FUNET, a data communications network already linking the local area networks of Finnish universities. The dedicated machine is configured for 400 simultaneous users. The project is taking place in two phases. In the first phase, which began in November 1992, VTLS extracted the bibliographic and authority records from nine of LINNEA's libraries. In the second phase, the records will be loaded into the union database. After the initial load, LINDA will contain approximately 1.8 million records, and will grow by 250,000 records annually thereafter. All the records will be stored in FINMARC. For additional information contact Gail Gulbenkian, VTLS, 703- 231-3605. + Page 2 + AUTO-GRAPHICS TO OFFER GPO DATABASE EXTRACTION SERVICE Auto-Graphics, Inc. will offer libraries the ability to extract profiled bibliographic records for government publications from its Government Documents Catalog Service (GDCS) database, both retrospectively and on a continuing basis. The service will begin March 31, 1993. The Auto-Graphics service will include a number of options: One-time retrospective extraction of GPO records from the GDCS database for load to online systems, performed by Auto- Graphics, based on a predefined profile. Single or multiple holding library codes can be accommodated. Ongoing extraction of new GPO records (adds, changes, deletions), processed locally by the subscriber from the current GDCS CD-ROM disc. Users may change their extraction profiles monthly. Corresponding LC name and subject authority records, barcode number generation, record printouts, and shipping list records. Subscribing libraries will select materials for which they want records extracted using an easy-to-use item selection disk program provided by Auto-Graphics. For additional information contact Ruth Rubio-Rogerson, Manager, Library Subscription Products, Auto-Graphics, 3201 Temple Ave., Pomona CA 91768, 909-595-7204 or 800-776-6939, ext. 323, or fax: 909-595-3506. BIP TO UNDERGO MAJOR CONVERSION On April 1, R.R. Bowker will launch a new system of data acquisition, validation, and delivery--called BowkerPower--and begin transforming its database from repositories of information into dynamic, intelligent, information networks. Books in Print, the first database to be converted, will not only be able to communicate directly with other databases, but will even scan, scrutinize, and correct its own records. Over the spring and summer of 1993, Bowker's traditional methods of communication, classification, and output will be changed by the following three-part program: + Page 3 + 1. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Books in Print soon will be on duty 24-hours a day, ready to capture and disseminate new data as quickly as the telephone line will allow. Through EDI, publishers will be able to download bibliographic information from their own computers directly into Books in Print via modem or dedicated line. All the latest titles, prices, and other data changes can be transferred to Books in Print just hours after they have been recorded by the publishers themselves. The system also will extract and automatically configure information stored on magnetic tape or diskettes containing commercial database programs. For publishers without electronic transmission resources, Bowker will provide a special software program developed to interface with the BIP database. Even manual methods of input and feedback will be accelerated. Within 48 hours of receipt, data supplied on printed Advance Book Information forms will be entered into the system. 2. Internal Quality Control & Validation Through a rigorous program of internal and external data comparisons, virtually every element that enters the BIP database will be checked and rechecked for accuracy and consistency. For uniform categories such as authors and languages, Bowker will use Library of Congress authority files. For categories where no definitive standards exist--mass-market titles, audience codes, and series--Bowker will create new authority files based on industry convention and Bowker standards. This combination of universal and customized "authorities" will enable Books in Print to monitor each title's classification and each bibliographic component for consistency and error. To ensure that the internal quality controls are functioning properly, the BIP database will be compared against LC MARC tapes; records from Ingram, the leading tradebook distributor; and many other authoritative sources. Any discrepancies--from mismatching ISBNs to price changes--will be identified immediately and corrected. 3. Customized Delivery Systems In addition to print, microfiche, online, and CD-ROM versions of BIP, Bowker will introduce a new species of custom-tailored products, delivered on magnetic tape or even downloaded directly into the subscriber's own computer system. For example, a scientific research library could select BIP information on biomedical titles alone, updated on a weekly basis. The range of data, update frequency, and delivery format can all be determined by the individual user. + Page 4 + In addition to revamping its BIP database, Bowker is in the process of working with others in the book industry to create universal standards for categories such as audience codes and mass-market titles. Future Books in Print enhancements might include Table of Contents data; separate indexes for anthologies, collections, and series; and inventory data. For additional information contact Joan Silinsh, Bowker, 121 Chanlon Rd., New Providence NJ 07974, 908-665-2818. OCLC TESTS MULTI-SYSTEM ACCESS SOFTWARE A field test of the OCLC Gateway Software, a UNIX-based package that provides easy and simultaneous access to various computer systems, is under way at the University of Cincinnati; the University of California, San Diego; and the University of Pittsburgh. OCLC Gateway Software connects OCLC Cataloging, Interlibrary Loan, and Reference Services to a wide variety of workstations and terminals wired to campus networks. OCLC Gateway Software can provide multiple simultaneous connections to available services so that users can toggle between (or among) various systems, such as, PRISM Cataloging and the library's local system. Users will not have the inconvenience of logging off one system to log on to another. Users need OCLC authorizations and passwords to use the systems, but additional wiring is not necessary if the hardware is connected to the institution's network. OCLC Gateway Software is compatible with many kinds of computer equipment, ranging from OCLC workstations and PCs running PASSPORT (OCLC communications software), to Apple and other computers running VT100 emulation packages, IBM 3270 terminals, commonly used local system terminals, and other public-access machines. All of these can have full PRISM access to OCLC. They can also access other computerized services available on the institution's network. For additional information contact Judith Warner 614-761-5052 or Nita Dean 614-761-5002. + Page 5 + INTERNET ACCESS TO LC INFORMATION FILES The Library of Congress has announced a major new initiative to increase the availability of its resources to the public. In a statement before the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee on January 25, 1993, during hearings on the Library's fiscal year 1994 budget request, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said that the Joint Committee on the Library had approved online access to the Library's automated information files through Internet beginning in late April 1993. These files, containing more than 28 million records in over 30 files, have been available to congressional offices, state libraries, and cooperative cataloging libraries in the past. The files to be offered by the Library include all LC MARC (machine-readable cataloging) files; copyright files, 1978 to the present; public policy citations, 1976 to the present; and federal bill status files. Both the technical processing/cataloging system (MUMS) and the reference/retrieval system (SCORPIO) will be accessible for searches over the Internet. The Library has experimented with various forms of remote access to its public files--initially in a pilot project called ROLLUP, and most recently in its LC DIRECT fee-based service to state library agencies. Online access to Library of Congress databases is useful to a variety of libraries. The Internet will provide a means by which access can be had at minimal cost to all. No fees will be charged. The Library of Congress is able to offer remote access to its public databases via Internet as a free service, but must limit its customer support to documentation download over the Internet. The Library will begin by providing system availability to 60 simultaneous Internet users to ensure that service to Congress and on-site users is not degraded. Usage will be monitored to determine if this number can be expanded if needed, but service to congressional users will continue to be the Library's primary goal for its online systems. Specific details regarding when and how one can connect to the Library's public online files through Internet will be available in April. + Page 6 + NEW RLG MEMBERS The Library of Congress has joined the Research Libraries Group (RLG) as a general member, formalizing a long-standing relationship that began in the 1970s. In addition, the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Rice University, and the California Historical Society have joined RLG as special members, bringing total RLG membership to 126. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Public-Access Computer Systems News is an electronic newsletter that is distributed on BITNET, Internet, and other computer networks. There is no subscription fee. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@UHUPVM1 (BITNET) or LISTSERV@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU (Internet) that says: SUBSCRIBE PACS-P First Name Last Name. PACS-P subscribers also receive two other electronic serials: Current Cites and The Public-Access Computer Systems Review. Public-Access Computer Systems News is Copyright (C) 1993 by the University Libraries, University of Houston. All Rights Reserved. Copying is permitted for noncommercial use by academic computer centers, computer conferences, individual scholars, and libraries. 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