Text Strings, Keymaps,
and Macros, Oh My:
Tips and Customizations for
Efficient Cataloging in
Connexion
By Mary Aycock
University of Missouri--Columbia
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
Text
Strings
Constant
Data
Least
Macros
More
Level of Complexity
Cost-benefit analysis taking into account

How many records require editing

How extensive the edits are

Complexity of the task
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
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: ETD brief records
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)

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: External: create a new
workbook with these
Macro Demonstration

Demonstration

Recording a macro

Example of macro code

Grabbing a macro
Resources for Macros

Program for Cooperative Cataloging:
http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/macros.html

OCLC macros:
http://www.oclc.org/connexion/support/macros.htm

Walt Nickeson’s Macros:
http://docushare.lib.rochester.edu/docushare/dsweb/View/Coll
ection-2556

Better Living through Macros by Joel Hahn:
http://www.hahnlibrary.net/libraries/oml/index.html

Joel Hahn's OML for the Complete Beginner:
http://www.hahnlibrary.net/libraries/oml/lessons/index.html
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 userdefined
functions
Unassign:
•
unassign a
particular
keymap (yours
or default)
•Assign: to
assign a
shortcut key
User tools

Figures of Numbers

Tools → User Tools → Assign
Toolbar Customizations


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Tools → Toolbar
Editor
Then drag and
drop
To remove from
toolbar: drag
and drop back
into toolbar
editor
Further Toolbar
Customizations

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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
Resources



Connexion training:
http://www.oclc.org/support/training/connexion/
Connexion tutorials:
http://www.oclc.org/support/training/connexion/client/t
utorial/default.htm
Connexion documentation:
http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion
/client/basics/options/
Questions or Comments?
Contact information:
Mary Aycock
aycockm@missouri.edu