LI-200022

LI-200022 Hlavní stránka Národní knihovny ČR

Návrh projektu


OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.


OCLC PROPOSAL
TO THE CZECH NATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHIC
CONSORTIUM FOR AN ONLINE REFERNCE
SERVICE SOLUTION





FURTHERING ACCESS
TO INFORMATION THROUGHOUT
THE CZECH REPUBLIC

AUGUST, 1999



CONTENTS


INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 3
COMPANY PROFILE ..................................................................................... 4
OCLC FIRSTSEARCH SERVICE .................................................................... 5
   1.    ACCESSING FIRSTSEARCH .............................................................. 6
   2.    FIRSTSEARCH FUNTIONALITY............................................................ 6
  FirstSearch Interface Full-text: ................................................................ 7
  Electronic Journals ................................................................................ 7
  Searching ............................................................................................. 7
  Index browsing ...................................................................................... 7
   3.    MANAGEMENT OF FIRSTSEARCH ..................................................... 8
   4.    SUPPORTING FIRSTSEARCH ............................................................ 9
PROPOSED DATABASES ............................................................................. 10
PRICING ...................................................................................................... 12
INTEGRATION OF LIBRARY SERVICES (FUTURE POSSIBILITIES) ............... 13
   1.    TECHNICAL SERVICES ..................................................................... 13
   2.    REFERENCE SERVICES ................................................................... 13
APPENDIX .................................................................................................. 14



Introduction

OCLC is pleased to submit this proposal to the Czech National Bibliographic Consortium. OCLC is committed to furthering the ease of access to and use of the ever-expanding body of worldwide, scientific, literary knowledge and information. We have a proven track record in providing electronic solutions to the world's libraries for 30 years.

OCLC is delighted to offer the FirstSearch Service as an environment to remotely access selected databases. FirstSearch lead the way with end-user online searching. Launched in 1991, the latest IMI (Information Market Indicators) survey of the online industry ranks FirstSearch as the world's most popular and fastest growing online reference service (based on connect time). The service is now used by over 15,000 libraries and institutions worldwide. The FirstSearch solution brings with it positive and unique benefits. Ease of use, access via the WWW (World Wide Web), unique databases, online full-text and library holdings are some of the advantages of implementing FirstSearch for the consortium and for individual libraries.

The service is designed to provide users with seamless electronic access to bibliographic, abstract and full-text information, when and where needed. Recommended databases have been selected following a two month trial of the consortium. Databases proposed ensure all major subject areas and all formats are covered; from arts and humanities to the sciences, from journals to monographs, including electronic sources of information available on the Internet.

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Company Profile

Furthering access to the world's information and reducing information costs are the major goals of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated, a not-for-profit library computer service and research organization that has been in operation for over 25 years.

OCLC has been in operation since 1967 when 54 Ohio college and university libraries formed the Ohio College Library Center to develop a cooperative, computerized regional library network. OCLC pioneered the computer revolution in libraries in 1971 when it introduced a computer system that enabled libraries to rapidly and efficiently catalogue books and order custom-printed catalogue cards.

OCLC's governance structure consists of General Members, the Users Council, and the Board of Trustees. The Users Council, which reflects and articulates the various interests of the OCLC membership, also elects six trustees to the OCLC Board. The 16-member Board of Trustees possess powers similar to those of university trustees. OCLC's nonprofit status and governance structure compels OCLC's agenda to be set by the library community.

Initially supporting only computerized cataloguing, OCLC has responded to the changing needs of libraries and now supports numerous library-related services, including online reference databases, resource sharing, online electronic journals, and contract cataloguing. Today, OCLC is delivering new and innovative library solutions to a variety of library entities that range from national, multi-type library consortia to individual library institutions. OCLC has worked quickly to provide new solutions that enable libraries to gain the maximum benefits from emerging Web technology and standards such as Z39.50, which facilitates linking in a variety of ways.

These new solutions enable libraries to gain the maximum benefits from today's technologies. For electronic information and reference services, we have worked with libraries and library consortia to serve their users with fully-integrated, end-user electronic information systems and services. And for resource sharing efforts, OCLC has combined the best of union catalogues, interlibrary loan, document delivery, and electronic full text. Today, OCLC's suite of products and solutions serve more than 30,000 libraries of all types in 65 countries and territories.

OCLC is an ISO 9000 compliant quality management system company

For more information about OCLC, please see the OCLC home page at http://www.oclc.org.

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OCLC FirstSearch Service

FirstSearch was launched in 1991, it is now the world's most popular online reference service. Since its launch FirstSearch has been constantly improved upon in terms of functionality. Enhancements to the service have come about from feedback from user's forums and the experience of individual libraries. To ensure that libraries keep pace with the rapid pace of technology, to meet users' ever demanding needs and to maximise libraries investment OCLC has re-engineered the service and is launching a completely new version of FirstSearch to support libraries into the new millenium. The New FirstSearch became available mid August and both the current version and the new one will run in tandem until on the 12th December the old version will be phased out. This gives libraries a five month transition period. The new service is to be implemented in stages, with the launch in August and subsequent enhancements added on a regular basis. This will enable libraries to migrate to the new system in their own timetable. It is the New FirstSearch not the current one which will be described in this proposal document.

Although this section of the proposal reviews the features and functionality of FirstSearch, it should be noted that this New FirstSearch has been designed to further expand access for users to the world's information. This can be summarised into four separate areas which are worthy of special attention:

Much improved integration of library holdings. Items held by member libraries will be highlighted, and users can limit their results to items held by either their library or a group of libraries, if their library is an OCLC Cataloguing member.

Full integration of Electronic Collections Online and other online full-text sources.
Electronic full text of all types will be linked to all FirstSearch abstract and index databases a library subscribes to. The "one-stop shopping" will enhance the search experience for users and help libraries get more out of their database and full-text purchases. Libraries which access their electronic journals through OCLC will have them integrated within FirstSearch. As users search they can retrieve e-journal articles which individual libraries subscribe to.

More powerful and sophisticated user interface. New search features include full truncation, use of wild card, use of online thesauri for several key databases, and limited multidatabase searching. New FirstSearch will also have multiple interface views to support a wide range of experience levels, and a database selection facility to make it much easier for users to get to the right databases. Since FirstSearch's launch enhancements have been added to make the service a more powerful tool for users this new version streamlines the search process whilst providing more options for the individual user.

New FirstSearch will put account control into the hands of librarians who administer their accounts. Librarians will be able to customize search options such as naming the system default operator, creating and naming custom databases (by combining existing databases), and editing text on the interlibrary loan request form.

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1. Accessing FirstSearch

FirstSearch is available 24 hours a day Monday through to Saturday. On Sundays the service is unavailable from 8.00am to midday (2.00am to 6.00am EST).

Libraries have three options when accessing:

  1. FirstSearch is an online service accessed via the Web. It takes advantage of several advanced HTML features and will require WWW client/software browsers to support these. The service has been tested and will correctly perform with:
    • Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher
    • Lynx version 1.6 or higher
  1. Furthermore if libraries require text only access due to such reasons as they are limited to telnet access or prefer a non-graphical interface due to a very slow Internet connection, it is possible to access the service using a Lynx browser. Libraries will not need to load the browser software on their library's computers, as OCLC has the Lynx software on its computers. This means libraries need only Telnet to OCLC.


  2. Since FirstSearch is Z39.50 compatible, you can search using your OPAC interface, as long as your local system is also Z39.50 compatible.

Access via the Web can be managed either through IP recognition or OCLC's copyright free CGI (Common Gateway Interface) Web scripting software.

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2. FirstSearch Functionality

Interface Flexibility. New FirstSearch will contain three search modes in order to accommodate the needs of users with varying skill levels. The three search modes are:

  • Basic: For inexperienced searchers or searchers initiating a simple search.
  • Advanced: For more experienced searchers, or those requiring assistance with searchable fields, Boolean operators, and search limiters.
  • Expert: A command-line mode in which the user simply types in a full search statement, including field labels, Boolean operators, and proximity operators. Brief command information and a list of database field labels will be displayed on the search screen.

Below are the various search features available within FirstSearch. To place in context the power of the FirstSearch interface and search functionality it should be noted that the key drive within the service is not only to help people discover what information is available on their chosen interest. To also give users the power to locate the information, and where possible retrieve it, a total reference solution.

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FirstSearch Interface Full-text:

Full-text linking across databases
Full-text icon displays in brief results list for all linked databases
Limit searches to full-text


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Electronic Journals

Browsing by journal, topic area, and publisher collection
Enhanced PDF delivery of full text (page-at-a-time displays)
Full-text file type indicated on results list
Navigation functionality in journal lists
Linking from FirstSearch database bibliographic records to Electronic Collections Online abstract and full-text HTML articles
Direct Journal Access


Access to library holdings
Limit searches by library
Limit searches by library group
Holdings icon displays in brief results for items in user's library
Link to detailed serials holdings (LDRs)


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Searching

Source/Database selection assistance
Boolean operators AND, NOT, OR
Proximity operators WITH, NEAR
Cross-database searching
Database selection assistance by topic area
Relevance ranking
Sorting results
"Browse Subject" (thesaurus) for WorldCat database (Library of Congress Subject Headings), other database-specific thesauri

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Index browsing

Browse all indexes simultaneously
Truncation
Wild Card
Unlimited "OR"
Use of " " for searching multiple terms in the order entered
Mark and print up to 100 full records
Mark and e-mail up to 100 full records
E-mail full records or full-text Search history for a single database
Search history for entire search session
Related Subjects August Subject hot links
Author hot links
English, French and Spanish interfaces
Online full-text price display
Context-sensitive pop-up help (to reflect available features and databases)

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3. Management of FirstSearch

FirstSearch Administrators within a library now have access to a FirstSearch Administration Module in the Web environment. The Administration Module allows individual libraries to customise how FirstSearch is presented to the user and what is made available. Features within the module include:

Control access to databases, to full-text and
to ILL by database
  Set default search mode (Basic, Advanced,
Expert)
  Restrict users to e-mail delivery only for
full text
  Set password for full text
  Turn ILL ON/OFF for entire service or
specific databases
  Specify Direct to Review or Direct to
Profile for each database (for ILL Direct
Request)
  Editable ILL form:
-     Change label names
-     Send order for name fields
-     Control which fields display to users
-     Set default value for particular field
-     Specify required fields
   Create and name a virtual database
   consisting of up to 3 abstract and index
databases
  Two timeout options: full text and other
  (searching)
  Administrator can create and name
database topic areas
  Administrator can change name of existing
database topic areas
Set default search operator used (AND,
WITH, NEAR)
Set limiters for selected databases
Virtual Database Building
       Combine up to 3 databases to create
        a single, virtual database.
Name virtual database.
   Turn on per-article purchase of electronic
journal articles (when service is made
available in 2000)


Usage statistics. A rolling six month history of search activity is available via the Web for System Administrators giving the number of searches conduct in each database, number of sessions, etc. Statistics are available for consortium, sub-group and individual library views.

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4. Supporting FirstSearch

Each library receives a complete set of documentation, end user materials to help publicise FirstSearch (both sets of documentation are also available electronically via the Web). Support via telephone, e-mail and fax from OCLC Europe, the Middle East & Africa's help desk. In addition, a guided tour and a set of sample databases are available through the OCLC Home Pages to allow libraries and their users to familiarise themselves with FirstSearch. A Bibliographic Instruction Web page is also available with customisable templates for librarians for use in local training classes.

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Proposed Databases

As the consortium is made up of a diverse range of libraries with varying needs in terms of subject coverage and type of information it is recommended that a 'cornerstone' style be adopted, and that databases be selected which will be beneficial to all and will support the various information needs of users and cover all formats. These databases will be at the centre of the electronic reference service offered by each library to its users. Later, at the discretion of the consortium as a whole or of individual libraries within it additional subject specific databases can be added to supplement the initial databases contained within this proposal. These additions may be added to the whole of the consortium or to sub-groups depending on relevance.

The adoption of these general databases are supported from reviewing the consortium's trial activity of FirstSearch in the months of May and June. A total of 2412 searches were conducted. The top 4 databases were:

  • OCLC's WorldCat
  • OCLC's ArticleFirst
  • OCLC's Electronic Collections Online
  • Medline
During the trial 42% of all searches were conducted in WorldCat. Over 60% of the searches in total were carried out in one of the above four databases.

Two database package options are proposed for the consortium's selection:

  • The FirstSearch Base Package, containing the following:

      WorldCat (the OCLC Online Union
    Catalog)
    OCLC ArticleFirst

    OCLC ContentsFirst
    OCLC Electronic Collections Online
    A&I
    OCLC FastDoc
    OCLC NetFirst
    OCLC PapersFirst
    OCLC ProceedingsFirst

    OCLC Union Lists of
    Periodicals
    ERIC
    GPO Monthly Catalog

    MEDLINE
    (The) World Almanac



  • The FirstSearch Base Package with Full Text, containing the following :

      WorldCat (the OCLC Online Union
    Catalog)
    OCLC ArticleFirst
    OCLC ContentsFirst
    OCLC Electronic Collections Online
    A&I
    OCLC FastDoc
    OCLC NetFirst

    OCLC PapersFirst

    OCLC ProceedingsFirst
    OCLC Union Lists of
    Periodicals
    ERIC
    GPO Monthly Catalog
    MEDLINE

    (The) World Almanac
    H.W.Wilson Select with full
    text
    (The) New York Times with
    full text



  • For a description of the above databases please see Appendix.

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    Pricing

    It is proposed to ensure that a 'true' end user service be adopted. To achieve this, access needs to be guaranteed for all libraries regardless of the number of users connecting to the service at any one time. Therefore pricing should not be based on simultaneous usage, but on the user populations of each institution.

    Below are the pricing options for the two recommended packages. The consortium has the choice to select a shared number of simultaneous users based on anticipated demand, or offer unlimited access (no turnaways regardless on number of users logging on at any one time). If the consortium requires different simultaneous user pricing OCLC will be pleased to provide this upon request.

    The FirstSearch Base Package:
    10 ports
    15 ports
    20 ports
    Unlimited
    $43,500
    $63,800
    $83,200
    $159,300


    The FirstSearch Base Package With Full Text:
    10 ports
    15 ports
    20 ports
    Unlimited
    $77,510
    $111,800
    $144,000
    $274,500


    The above prices are for a one year period, being a full 12 month period from start date.
    Subscription access starts on the beginning of a month.

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    Integration of Library Services (future possibilities)

    With the adoption of FirstSearch the consortium has the foundations of an integrated electronic reference service, linking both technical and reference service functions within a single environment ('FirstSearch') for the benefit of each individual library and for the ultimate benefit of the whole consortium. This sections highlights the key areas the consortium may wish to proceed in the future.

    Contents


    5. Technical Services

    Cataloguing. OCLC is the world's largest co-operative union catalogue and the library world's foremost cataloguing service. Within FirstSearch library holdings are displayed whilst a user views a record within a database. If a library catalogues with OCLC and so adds it holdings this helps their users identify quickly what material is available within their library and what is not. Furthermore if all consortium members catalogue with OCLC then the user could further identify if their library did not have the desired item which, if any, of the consortium members holds it. This supplements the current 721 million plus holdings already available giving the library a comprehensive view of where an item is located.

    As OCLC is the world's foremost bibliographic utility it also ensures that original cataloguing is minimised by copy cataloguing from OCLC's Online Union Catalogue.

    Resource Sharing. With holdings added by participation in OCLC Cataloguing users searching databases will be able to identify if their own library, a library within the consortium or any other OCLC member has the item. Using OCLC ILL service by enabling them to borrow and lend library materials through OCLC's electronic network of 6,700 libraries. OCLC's ILL service has been used by libraries for the last 20 years to facilitate rapid access to material regardless of format. The service since it's inception has processed 90,853,342 requests.

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    6. Reference Services

    Electronic journals. Through OCLC's Electronic Collections Online database access to the full-text of a growing collection of more than 2,000 titles from over 40 publishers. These journals are also linked to the other FirstSearch databases where appropriate ensuring users can identify and retrieve seamlessly articles from journals their library has subscribed to. Due to OCLC's not-for-profit and membership status we are able to offer a permanent remote archiving solution, which is critical to any library/consortium using this type of medium.

    Document Delivery. ASCII online full-text delivery of articles is already a feature the consortium can take advantage of by 'turning ON' full-text in each library's Administrative Module. OCLC sends a monthly invoice by authorisation based on the number of articles delivered the previous month. Full text online offers more than 5 million articles from approximately 7,300 general and business journals, and newspapers.

    Contents


    APPENDIX

    The appendix contains a brief descriptive review of each of the databases available within the two alternate packages contained within the proposal.

    WorldCatTM Database (the OCLC Online Union Catalog)--OCLC

    The world's most comprehensive bibliography, with 40 million bibliographic records representing 400 languages. Covers information back to the 11th Century. Includes holdings information from the world's libraries.

    ArticleFirst® Database--OCLC

    Contains bibliographic citations that describe items listed on the table of contents pages of approximately 12,600 journals in science, technology, medicine, social science, business, the humanities, and popular culture. Each record describes one article, news story, letter, or other item.

    ContentsFirst® Database--OCLC

    Contains the table of contents pages and holdings information from more than 12,600 journals in science, technology, medicine, social science, business, the humanities, and popular culture. Although most of the journals are published in English, journals in other languages are also included.

    OCLC FirstSearch® Electronic Collections OnlineTM Database--OCLC

    A growing collection of journals (currently more than 2,400) in a variety of subject areas, all with full-text articles online. Articles include all original content and images. The interface supports cross-journal searching and browsing within selected journals. Users can view bibliographic information for all journals and view abstracts and full-text articles from journals to which their institutions subscribe.

    NetFirst® Database--OCLC

    Contains bibliographic citations--complete with summary descriptions and subject headings-- describing high-quality Internet­accessible resources suitable for a wide range of interests and age groups. Records contain hot links to connect users to resources of interest.

    PapersFirst® Database--OCLC

    Provides access to individual papers presented at conferences worldwide. A major research aid covering every congress, symposium, exposition, workshop, and meeting added to The British Library Document Supply Centre's (BLDC) vast proceedings collection since October 1993. The BDLC is a document supplier for the OCLC Interlibrary Loan service. The FirstSearch/OCLC ILL link is the best way to obtain conference papers cited in PapersFirst.

    ProceedingsFirst® Database--OCLC

    Provides tables of contents of papers presented at conferences worldwide. Each record contains a list of the papers presented at each conference. Like its companion, PapersFirst, ProceedingsFirst provides access to The British Library Document Supply Centre's vast collection of conference proceedings.

    OCLC Union Lists of PeriodicalsTM Database--OCLC

    Includes more than 7 million listings linked to over 750,000 bibliographic records in WorldCat. The listings provide local holdings information so that users can search for locations of periodicals in their own and other libraries.

    ERIC--U. S. Department of Education

    Educational Resources Information Center has represented the most complete bibliography of educational materials available since 1966. The ERIC database is a guide to published and unpublished sources on thousands of educational topics, with information from RIE (Resources in Education) and CIJE (Current Index to Journals in Education). CIJE covers over 1,000 journals.

    GPO Monthly Catalog--U. S. Government Printing Office

    Consists of records published by the GPO since July 1976. Includes references to congressional committee reports and hearings, debates, documents from executive departments, and more.

    MEDLINE--U. S. National Library of Medicine

    Covers all areas of medicine, including clinical medicine, experimental medicine, dentistry, nursing, health services administration, nutrition, and much more. Indexes over 3,900 journals (most with abstracts). Now includes a backfile covering 1965­1984, increasing the coverage to 1965-present.


    The World Almanac--Primedia Reference, Inc.

    Includes the full text of all of the Almanac titles: The World Almanac, providing key facts on a wide variety of subjects internationally; The World Almanac of the U.S.A. with essential facts about the United States-current and historical; The World Almanac of U.S. Politics, a guidebook to federal, state, and local governments; and The World Almanac for Kids, covering information and facts of interest to middle-school children and teachers.

    H.W. Wilson Select--H.W. Wilson Company

    Includes over 800 high-quality periodicals with complete indexing and abstracts. All records point to complete online full text. Comprised of records from Readers' Guide Abstracts, Social Sciences Abstracts, Humanities Abstracts, General Science Abstracts, and Wilson Business Abstracts.

    The New York Times--New York Times

    Offers full text of within published The New York Times newspaper articles. Includes all articles 90 days for delivery as ASCII full­text documents. An abstract and index database is maintained with coverage from January 1994 to the present.


    21.1.2002 Hanuš Hemola | Projekt LI-200022 | Nahoru |