NOTE: THESE PROCEDURES ARE IN DRAFT STATUS AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PRIOR TO GO-LIVE.
Background
In order to use the "Search External Resources" function in the Alma Metadata Editor in the Network Zone, the external search profile must be set up in the Network Zone, which then makes the profile available to each institution. The NZ configuration is documented here for reference. Optionally, each institution can set up local credentials for using the Search External Resources function for importing records to their Institution Zone via Search External Resources.
Policy Statement
Policies related to Normalization and Merge Methods will be discussed here.
Best practice recommendations
When setting up an external search profile for your IZ, it is recommended to ask OCLC to generate a set of credentials that your institution only uses for the external search profile (in other words, it is not recommended to re-use an existing staff member's Connexion authorization). You can manage OCLC authorizations used for cataloging using the OCLC Access & Authorizations form.
Network Zone Setup (for Reference only; No Action Required):
Optional Procedures in Alma for Configuring External Search import for Institution Zone
In Alma, go to Resource Management > Resource Configuration > Configuration Menu > External Search Resources. Click "Add Resource". In the search box, type WorldCat, and click Search. You'll see several resources with WorldCat in the name; select WorldCat (OCLC).
Select the Merge Method "Connexion import" and enter OCLC Connexion Credentials (the credentials consist of a nine-digit OCLC authorization and password, and use this syntax: authorization/password. Click Save.
Choose whether to import into the Network Zone or the Institution Zone
To choose whether to use the Network Zone external search profile (which will enable importing to the Network Zone as well overlaying existing Network Zone records) or use your locally set up profile and import/overlay only in the IZ:
- Go to Alma > Resource Management Search External Resources
- Select File > Options:
- To import to the NZ, change Placement of New Bibliographic Records to Network Zone
- To import to the IZ, change Placement of New Bibliographic Records to Local
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you first open the Search External Resources screen from the Alma menu and get an error, you might try opening opening the Metadata Editor first (Alma > Resource Management > Cataloging > Open Metadata Editor). Then open Search External Resources by going to Tools > Search External Resources
Action log
Section | Point Person | Expected Completion Date | Last action taken | Next action required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Articulate the need for the policy (background) and add procedure documentation |
COMPLETE | 10/6/2016 - Added procedures regarding setting up an IZ Search External Resources Configuration, as well as documentation related to the NZ configuration. | Norm Rules / Import Profiles Task Force to add documentation regarding recommended normalization and merge methods. | |
Create a Policy Statement |
| |||
Identify and create best practice recommendations |
| |||
Where applicable, identify and write up procedures in Alma |
|
Tasks to be completed
- Type your task here, using "@" to assign to a user and "//" to select a due date