A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — A u g u s t 2 0 0 0

Is Your Library Ready for the New
OCLC FirstSearch Service?

OCLC has set the migration date to the new FirstSearch service for Sunday, August 20. At that time, access to the current versions of FirstSearch and OCLC FirstSearch Electronic Collections Online (stand-alone interface) will be discontinued.

OCLC is asking libraries to make the transition prior to the August 20 migration date so their ability to use FirstSearch effectively will not be compromised. The following information will help you identify the appropriate strategy to make this transition.

If your library migrates to the new service before August 20, you can connect using the URL newfirstsearch.oclc.org. Beginning August 20, both URLs, newfirstsearch.oclc.org and firstsearch.oclc.org, will take you into the new version.
Libraries that offer Electronic Collections Online must use the FirstSearch authorization linked to their Electronic Collections Online authorization for continued access beginning August 20. OCLC sent linked authorization information in May 1999; if you cannot locate this information, contact Jim Hensinger jhensing@bcr.org.
If your library uses automatic logon to access the new FirstSearch and you currently use WebScript versions 1.95 or 1.96, you must upgrade to a newer version. Information on how to do this is available at www.oclc.org/oclc/fs_new/doc.htm and www.oclc.org/oclc/fs_new/webscript.htm.
New FirstSearch printed documentation was sent out at the end of June to those libraries normally receiving the paper version. This information is also available on the OCLC Web site and includes:

OCLC FirstSearch Databases Notebook, 4th ed.
Managing FirstSearch booklet
Using FirstSearch reference card
OCLC FirstSearch Service Database List

Additional copies of the Managing FirstSearch booklet, Using FirstSearch reference card and the OCLC FirstSearch Service Database List are available at no charge. Additional copies of the OCLC FirstSearch Databases Notebook are available for $5 without binder or $7.50 with binder. Send an e-mail to orders@oclc.org or use the online order form at www.oclc.org/oclc/forms/newfir.htm.

Libraries that want online documentation can go to www.oclc.org/oclc/fs_new/doc.htm to access the following documents:

Using OCLC FirstSearch
How to Do a Search with the New OCLC FirstSearch
New Administrative Module Reference Guide
Managing FirstSearch
Adding Your Library's Logo to the New FirstSearch
Using FirstSearch
Using FirstSearch with a Lynx Browser
If you would like FirstSearch promotional materials, OCLC has put together a variety of materials to help your library publicize the new version of FirstSearch to users — including icons for customization, a customizable press release and a customizable news article — on the OCLC Web site at www.oclc.org/oclc/fs_new/promo.htm.

FirstSearch users may want to take advantage of the "Migrating to New FirstSearch" page on BCR's Web site at www.bcr.org/~ids/Toolkits/nfs.html. The page provides answsers to the most commonly asked questions about the new OCLC FirstSearch service. Please contact BCR's Jim Hensinger (jhensing@bcr.org) for assistance.

To keep abreast of the latest information, you may also subscribe to the FirstSearch-L, WebScript-L and Z39.50-L electronic lists at www.oclc.org/forms/fs-list.htm or visit the FirstSearch Web site at www.oclc.org/oclc/menu/fs_new.htm.

BCR Publications | Table of Contents

Is Your Library Ready for the New OCLC FirstSearch Service?

Is Your Library Ready for the New
OCLC FirstSearch Service?