Tip of the Week

Tip for: 02.07.2006

Some helpful hints in SmartMARC v6

Summary: This week's tip will discuss some of the new features in SmartMARC v6 as well as some helpful tips about using it. SmartMARC v6 is now available and it offers several new and exciting features. One of the biggest changes is being able to search all many more databases at once. The limit of two Z39.50 servers and one Alexandria Data Station has been removed. Each server no longer has its own timeout because the searches are simultaneous; this means faster searching and more results from which to choose. As part of this you can also test all of the databases to see which are working and which are not. A handy update button allows you to immediately mark the working servers for searching and unmark non-working servers.

The default list of available Z39.50 servers has also been updated. Each server in the new list has been checked to confirm that one can connect to it and retrieve records; some servers may require passwords (Brodart, SchoolCat, and Amicus) in order to connect and retrieve records. If you are updating from 5.07 or an earlier version of SmartMARC, you will not immediately see the new default list. You must reset the list using a ZZ command; however, be aware that using this command will remove any servers you may have added on your own, as well as removing passwords for servers such as Brodart. Make sure to write down any password, Z39.50, or Alexandria information for servers that you use in case they are not in our updated default list. There is no way to retrieve the information after you run the command.

To update to the default server list:

• Type ZZRESET39 in the ISBN field and press <enter>.

Another helpful feature allows you to modify the order of the search fields on the Search window as well as the data fields on the Save window. Use it to place the fields you use or modify more frequently at the top so they are quicker to get to.

Figure 1 Use this icon to customize list order

A useful feature that was available in 5.07, which you may not have known about, is the ability to reenter the last searched entry for a field. This can make searching by author, publisher, or entering the same call number much faster by saving you from having to retype it.

To reenter the last search entry:

• Place cursor in the desired search field, such as the ISBN, Title, or Author fields
• Hold down the cmd (Macintosh) or ctrl (Windows) keys and the = key. The previously entered search criteria for that field will appear.

We know you will enjoy using this new version of SmartMARC and will find cataloging with it even faster than before.

Thank you,

The Alexandria Staff Librarians

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