How to Access OCLC's PRISM

Ways of linking to OCLC PRISM database service:

• Dedicated online services (permanent link)
• Dial-up local numbers
• Dial-up 800 number
• Internet access via Telnet (We will use this.)

Via Telnet: Entering OCLC's Telnet Address

• Type: telnet://connect.oclc.org in the "Go To" or "Location" entry field of your Browser.
  • 
• This take you to one of the following windows:

  1. Telnet address entry window

  • 
• If so, type the address of the computer you want to access the Host/Session Name field.
  • Example: connect.oclc.org
• Click on the "Connect" button to connect to the remote computer.
• This should bring up the following OCLC window.

  2. The OCLC window:

  • 

Important Notes for using OCLC:

1. The <control C> command is normally used to interrupt some software operation or process on Windows-based PCs.
   • In OCLC, though, it is used as a Send Key.
   • Consequently, one may have to turn off the <control C> command in telnet as an "interrupt process."
   • How to turn it off:(This may vary depending on the version of telnet you are using):
     • Select the Session pull-down menu
     • Pull down the highlight to Set-Up Keys.

       

     • In the small window that is displayed, delete <control C> (it usually appears as ^C) as the Setup Key.

       

     • Click on the <okay> button.
2. Local Echo may have to be turned on so as to be able to see what you are typing in.
   • How to do it:
     • Select the Session pull-down menu
     • 
     • Turning the Local Echo on by highlighting it.
     • Click on the <okay> button.
   • If you go back and look at the menu, you will see a check by the Local Echo.

Logging on to PRISM

• To Select PRISM, type:
  • c prismt*k1 <control c>
• For Selection of DB and Authorization, type:

  SERVICE	LOG-ON	PASSWORD
  Search WorldCat	[Get these from the instructor] <control c>	[Get these from the instructor] <control c>
  Inter-Library Loan
  Online Union List for Serials

To log off:

• Type: logoff <control c>

NOTE:

• Our access to OCLC's databases is a limited one so that we do not inadvertently change WorldCat (OLUC) or local files.
• Consequently, some commands that could affect actual records will not work. These include:
  • save
  • update
  • delete
  • produce

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