----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Luanne Goodson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 9:34:03 AM
Subject: OCLC QC Tip of the Month / Aug. 2011: Locked Bibliographic Records in         WorldCat




[Cross-posted to multiple lists-- please excuse/ignore duplication]

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Locked Bibliographic Records in WorldCat



To everyone's benefit, increasing numbers of catalogers are participating in the Expert Community in support of cooperative database quality efforts. In addition, participation in the previously existing quality programs (CONSER, BIBCO, Enhance, minimal-level upgrades, and database enrichment) continues at a high rate. An unfortunate side effect of the increase in cooperative efforts is an increased potential for interrupting other users' workflows if you keep a record locked in the Cataloging Save File for a long period of time. Since only one institution at a time can lock a record, OCLC staff members regularly receive queries from users who can't lock or replace a record because another user has locked it.



Completing your replace transactions quickly has numerous positive results. First, other users will have access to your improved record right away, thus avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort. Second, other users who wish to lock and replace the same record will be able to do so without repetitive attempts and inconvenience. Third, OCLC automated database quality software can work more effectively (for example, locked records cannot be processed by Duplicate Detection and Resolution (DDR).



Therefore, OCLC staff request that you complete your replace transactions as expeditiously as possible. When you save a locked master record, the system places a long-term (14-day) lock on the master record in WorldCat. Other users can retrieve a copy, but cannot change the master record. Records can be saved in an online or local save file to be worked on later without locks being used. In cases in which records have been locked longer than two weeks, you may contact OCLC staff at [log in to unmask] and notify us that you need the record unlocked.



However, records do not need to be locked in Connexion Client for editing and replace to occur. After editing, to replace a master record, on the Action menu, click Replace Record or Replace and Update Holdings. Note: If you did not lock the record before editing, the system locks it automatically before carrying out the Replace Record or Replace and Update Holdings action. If another user locked or replaced the record after you opened or saved it, the action fails and you get an error message. To cancel replacing the record, click No. If you cancel, the system redisplays the record for further editing. For more information see Connexion Client documentation: http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/connexion/client/cataloging/bibactions/









If you have questions, please send email to: [log in to unmask]





Luanne Goodson

Consulting Database Specialist

OCLC Quality Control Section

6565 Kilgour Place MC 139

Dublin, Ohio, USA 43017-3395