CDL Database Transitions
a. Database Vendors Chosen
The Transition Steering Committee has made the following recommendations regarding new vendors. These are in addition to the database transitions already in process, which include PubMed (access with UC links to holdings, content and Request as of 7/18/01), and GeoRef (from CSA with links to holdings and content as of 7/3/01): -ABI/Inform: via ProQuest (Bell and Howell, which produces the database) -RILM: via NISC -Expanded Academic Index (MAGS), Computer Database, and National Newspaper Index Database: via Gale Group, which produces these databases.
Although not transitioning to a new vendor, the ArticleFirst database, known as JRNL in the CDL-hosted telnet version, will now be accessible only via OCLC’s FirstSearch web interface. This timing of the transition coincides with major changes in OCLC’s Z39.50 service used to support the current telnet interface.
| Database Name | New Access Begins | CDL Access Ends |
| RILM | August 15, 2001 | August 15, 2001 |
| ArticleFirst (JRNL) | August 15, 2001 | August 15, 2001 |
| ABI/Inform | August 15, 2001 | December 2002* |
| Expanded Academic Index (MAGS) | August 15, 2001 | December 2002* |
| Computer Database | August 15, 2001 | December 2002* |
| National Newspaper Index | August 15, 2001 | December 2002* |
*CDL is committed to maintaining access through December 2002 unless there are unforeseen circumstances, such as vendors making significant changes to their data structure, or recommendations to remove parallel access earlier. Please refer to the Database Status document on the CDL Libstaff site for detailed information about which services (e.g., Request, Update, etc.) will be available and when in the new versions of all A&I transition databases. Available at: [http://www.cdlib.org/libstaff/sharedcoll/a-i-trans]. Directions for access to these resources will be announced closer to their implementation date, after the CDL has verified access.
b. Melvyl Telnet Access Continues
There WILL be a telnet interface for the version of Melvyl referred to as Melvyl-T during the transition process. This interface will provide the vital functions of command line searching and fast, plain text display. It will include the ability to save searches within the session and to email records and lists of records. Like the current telnet interface, it will not include all features that are present in the web-based OPAC, but it is designed to serve the needs of staff users with low-bandwidth connections.