SUNCAT has just released a second parallel downloading service to complement the initial pilot service introduced last year. Contributing Libraries can continue to access the CONSER only records with their existing connection and configuration, but may now replace this, or add a second connection to the new service, which contains both CONSER and ISSN records and will gradually expand to include Contributing Libraries’ MARC records. The CONSER only database will be maintained to provide libraries with quick and easy access to these high quality records, with the second service providing a more comprehensive coverage of records.
There is no charge for these services, Contributing Libraries can simply visit http://www.suncat.ac.uk/support/z-target-auth.shtml for details on how to set up the Z39.50 connection and start downloading records.
CONSER is the cooperative online serials cataloguing programme coordinated by the US Library of Congress. There are over one million high quality CONSER records on SUNCAT, with particularly strong coverage in current STM titles.
Each ISSN assigned to a serial publication is registered in the ISSN Register and with over one million ISSN numbers assigned, this database is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative sources for the identification of serial publications world-wide.
The facility is only available to SUNCAT Contributing Libraries and therefore a username and password is required to set up the connection. These details remain the same as for the pilot service and have already been sent to the primary SUNCAT contacts at each Contributing Library.
Contributing Libraries should contact the EDINA helpdesk at edina@ed.ac.uk if they need a reminder of their username/password, experience any problems setting up or using the service or have comments about the service.