Text Strings, Keymaps, and Macros, Oh My: Tips and Customizations for Efficient Cataloging in Connexion By Mary Aycock Workshop training, MU Libraries July 28, 2011

Connexion Tools Number of tools to save the cataloger keystrokes and time Why invest time to save keystrokes? Greater productivity Less tedious work Less errors Cost-benefit analysis taking into account How many records require editing How extensive the edits are Complexity of the task & ease of creating shortcut More Text Strings Constant Data Macros Level of Complexity Least

Text Strings Often easier to use and create than constant data Use when you just need to insert consistent data in record (949s, etc.) Can assign to: User tool, keyboard shortcuts Type text strings as you would normally type fields, etc. Example: 949 strings

Text String Practice Notes Blank line is recommended at beginning of most text strings (else cursor will start pasting wherever it is) July 28, 2011

Constant Data Unlike text strings, can code fixed fields Considered records; can save to online or local file CAUTION: Editing constant data vs. applying Can derive from a bib record Can assign from default, assign by name or from list Example: Ebook brief records

Applying Constant Data: Caution Demonstration of applying constant data versus opening record (and how easy it is to reverse the two).

Macros Connexion comes equipped with built-in set of macros. Similar to other macro programs Can use “Record” option to program macros and then learn about the coding by examining the macro Cannot record mouse movements Written in OCLC macro language (OML): a modified form of Basic

Macros Galore, Built-In Built in macros of general interest Add & Edit 007 Add 33x (RDA related) Generate Authority Record Insert Heading

Macros Galore, External External macros of general interest  Make830 (takes an existing 440 & makes into a 490/830 combination): From Walter Nickeson's site  Provider Neutral macro: From PCC Site  CursorJump macro (for jumping to a particular character in a field): From Walt Nickson's site  CAUTION: create a new workbook with these and name it External or Local

Resources for Macros Program for Cooperative Cataloging: OCLC macros: Walt Nickeson’s Macros: n n-2556 Better Living through Macros by Joel Hahn: Joel Hahn's OML for the Complete Beginner:

Toolbar Customizations Tools → Toolbar Editor Then drag and drop To remove from toolbar: drag and drop back into toolbar editor

Further Toolbar Customizations To move your icons around: Press Alt-click with cursor Can display on 2 lines (click on the arrow next to the toolbar) To put an extra divider: Find separator in toolbar editor window (control-S) and drag and drop To increase button size: Tools > Options and then Toolbar (must then close & reopen client) View > Toolbars to see all the toolbars

Keymaps Can assign keyboard equivalents (shortcut keys) to menu items, macros, characters (such as diacritics), or text strings

Keymap options Organizer: Work with keymap files (advanced) Reset: buttons to original settings List All: List all the user- defined functions Unassign: unassign a particular keymap (yours or default) Assign : to assign a shortcut key

User tools Figures of Numbers Tools → User Tools → Assign

Resources Connexion training: Connexion tutorials: utorial/default.htm utorial/default.htm Connexion documentation: /client/basics/options/ /client/basics/options/

Questions or Comments? Contact information: Mary Aycock