Professional Development News

Highlights from Amigos Innovating with Metadata virtual conference

by Sara Ring

My colleagues and I attended the November Amigos virtual conference Innovating with Metadata. The conference opened with a keynote address by Amanda Sprochi about the new International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Library Reference Model (LRM) and how it will have a major impact on RDA (Resource Description and Access). While there were several breakout sessions to follow, I would like to summarize one in particular: Analyzing Linked Data From and SEO Perspective. For several years I’ve been following developments in library linked data. This is one of the first speakers I’ve heard that analyzed library linked data from a search engine optimization perspective.

CONTENTdm Basic Skills 3: Maintaining Collections

by Sara Ring

Presented by Sara Ring (Minitex), Maintaining Collections in CONTENTdm is the third webinar in the basic series for users new to CONTENTdm. This course provides instruction on editing collection items through CONTENTdm administration and the CONTENTdm Project Client. Additionally, the course explores workflows that make it possible through the use of tab-delimited data to import significant numbers of compound objects and/or legacy metadata in one operation.

CONTENTdm Basic Skills 2: Working with Text

by Sara Ring

Presented by Sara Ring (Minitex), this course provides instruction on the structure of CONTENTdm, navigating and using CONTENTdm Collection Administration to create and manage a digital collection that includes text-based materials, as well as using the CONTENTdm Project Client to prepare digital items for addition to a collection. After completing this web-based training, learners will have the foundational knowledge required to begin using CONTENTdm to manage textual materials.

CONTENTdm Basic Skills 1: Getting Started

by Sara Ring

Presented by Sara Ring (Minitex), This course provides instruction on the structure of CONTENTdm, navigating and using CONTENTdm Collection Administration to create and manage a digital collection, as well as using the CONTENTdm Project Client to prepare digital items for addition to a collection. After completing this web-based training, learners will have the foundational knowledge required to begin using CONTENTdm to manage digital items.

Time is running out! Register for the Minitex Technical Services Symposium

by Sara Ring

There's still time to register for the Minitex Technical Services Symposium: Linked Data and the Future on December 6, 2017. We are excited to announce a third speaker for the morning panel session: Stacie Traill will share work being done at the University of Minnesota. She joins Bobby Bothmann and Hannah Buckland to discuss cataloging and technical services efforts to enhance and ease the transition to an unknown future.

Connexion Client Module 4: Save Files, File Management, and Batch Processing

by Lizzy Baus

Presented by Lizzy Baus (Minitex), this online module provides instruction on using Connexion Client to perform high volumes of searches and record actions using the efficiency of batch processing, including the use and management of Save Files. After completing this web-based training, learners will know how to use Connexion’s file management tools to manage online and local save files effectively, will be able to enter multiple search keys and record actions, process batches, and perform batch actions by OCLC number.

Connexion Client Module 2: Basic Bibliographic Searching

by Lizzy Baus

Presented by Lizzy Baus (Minitex), this online module provides instruction on performing basic bibliographic searches using OCLC’s Connexion Client cataloging software. After completing this web-based training, learners will be able to conduct basic searches for bibliographic records in WorldCat, and evaluate whether a given record matches the item to be cataloged. This is the second part of a three module series designed to enable basic copy cataloging work in Connexion Client.

Connexion Client Module 1: WorldCat, MARC, and Client Basics

by Lizzy Baus

Presented by Lizzy Baus (Minitex), this online module provides basic information about the WorldCat bibliographic database and the MARC record format. It also provides an introduction to the program interface, as well as instruction on how to set up and navigate the Connexion Client program. After completing this web-based training, learners will be prepared to read basic MARC records, set up Connexion Client on their workstation, and successfully enter commands via the program’s various input methods.

Cat studying.

Copy Cataloging with CatExpress

by Lizzy Baus
This live online course provides instruction on copy cataloging using the CatExpress interface. We will cover the copy cataloging workflow - including searching, holdings maintenance, exporting and downloading records. After completing this course, the learner will be prepared to fully utilize the CatExpress service. The course will also touch on some options for customizing the interface, the CatExpress subscription structure, and sources for documentation and statistics.

New MarcEdit Workshop added and Technical Services Symposium still open!

by Lizzy Baus

Due to high demand, we have added a second session of our MarcEdit 7 Advanced Tools workshop, led by MarcEdit’s creator Terry Reese. This session will cover exactly the same material as the previously scheduled workshop and will meet the previous afternoon, Tuesday December 5, at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

There are also still plenty of seats left for the Minitex Technical Services Symposium: Linked Data and the Future on Wednesday, December 6. Join colleagues to hear Jean Godby of OCLC Research speak on Linked Data, followed by a panel on local practices, and continue the conversation over lunch!

Professional Development logo.

Strengthening the knowledge, skills, and efficiency of staff in libraries throughout the Minitex region

Learn more