January 2013 - BSLWAC - mailman.xmission.com

Backstage - XMLAC
by Nate Cothran 24 Jan '13

24 Jan '13

We are currently working on a service that would allow clients to control their metadata within XML files in a similar fashion to what we do with MARC files. Although the specific direction we are currently exploring is in relation to digital metadata files, we've structured the program so that nearly any XML file could potentially be used just as well. We are working on a pilot project with a major university that has a large digital collection. The solution we are testing does not actually deliver matching authorities (either in MARC or XML) back to the client. However, it still attempts to make use of (and in fact use) the 1XX and 4XX fields within authorities to aid in patron access & searching. During a few trips last year, which included visits to a large academic and large public library, we were asked (separately) whether we had any capabilities in this area. We were interested but did not have anything definitive we could deliver at that point. Based on the progress to this point, I would say we are currently in the beta testing phase with our client's pilot data. As long as the XML file follows a consistent schema, we can isolate specific elements (e.g., contributor, creator, subject, etc) to control. Because we are proposing to modify the same XML file, the biggest difficulty we have run into is in overlaying that XML file back on the client's end. It really is the same file, except of course that it has been controlled and enriched with more data, and may require additional indexing steps to make use of the data. Eventually, we are also interested in exploring linked data processing, but we needed a first step in order to reach that point. This XMLAC endeavor may be that necessary step. It could be that your library has collections of digital files with metadata sitting in your digital asset management systems that, until now, you weren't sure how to validate or apply any sort of authority control to them. We are hoping that this may be a viable service to consider in the future for your library's digital metadata files. If we see you at the Backstage Breakfast this Saturday (7am-9am) at Ruth's Chris, perhaps we can discuss this in more detail. Or if you stop by our booth (1944), we can talk about it there. Either way, we will also be sure to keep the listserv updated on our progress with this potential service. If you're headed to Seattle, bring a coat. Apparently the forecast shows snow for late Thursday. Nate Cothran Vice President, Automation Services 533 East 1860 South Provo, Utah 84606 Phone: +1.800.288.1265, ext. 697 Direct: +1.801.342.5697 nate(a)bslw.com <mailto:nate@bslw.com?subject=Automation%20Services%20-%20Inquiry> * www.bslw.com <http://www.bslw.com>

1 0

Backstage - Near Match Report in XLS Format
by Nate Cothran 23 Jan '13

23 Jan '13

We created a near match report in HTM format earlier last year, looking similar to this: 1. a9704426 100 1 $a Bernhardt, Rolf. 99.5% n 81070694 100 10 $a Bernhardt, Rolf, $d 1934- 93.8% n 00114719 100 1 $a Bernhardt, Rudolf, $d b. 1867? 2. a9733670 100 1 $a Carroll, Stephen J. 99.5% n 79041728 100 1 $a Carroll, Stephen J., $d 1930- 99.5% n 79041110 100 1 $a Carroll, Stephen J., $d 1940- As a direct result of requests from clients that our reports also be available in XLS format, we delved into figuring out how to convert the existing HTM reports to XLS format. We also wanted to improve upon the functionality of working with XLS where possible. For instance, the Unrecognized $z report looks like this in HTM format: 2688172 600 10 $a Fradkin, Philip L. $x Travel $z Alaska $z Lituya Bay Region. 2678673 600 10 $a Harrison, Henrietta $x Travel $z China $z Chiqiao Village. When converted to XLS format, it looks like this instead: No Ctrl No Tag Inds Initial Heading Unrecognized $z 1 2688172 600 10 $a Fradkin, Philip L. $x Travel $z Alaska $z Lituya Bay Region. 2 2678673 600 10 $a Harrison, Henrietta $x Travel $z China $z Chiqiao Village. This allows our clients to sort the reports in different ways and provides means to edit/delete/change/distribute to other staff members as needed. But the Near Match report's conversion to XLS proved elusive. Mainly because it is structured so differently from the other types of reports we generate. Our planned purpose with the reports is to reduce the time spent on your side in reviewing issues or problems with the data. The hope is that our conversions to XLS helps to reduce that time spent on reviewing reports. The Near Match report is intended to help rule out certain types of headings based on the (low) confidence value we assign to the near matches we find. However, the HTM version of the report is onerous to scan through as it stands now. Also, it doesn't allow clients to do any of the editing mentioned above. We think we've cracked this egg, finally. And I do want to say that we have had several clients give us very good feedback on how to improve the report itself and make it more useful. We're still working on implementing these changes, but this is how the report stands now in XLS format: No Bib ID UNM Unmatched Heading %-1 Tag-1 Near Match-1 Authority-1 1 a9704426 100 $a Bernhardt, Rolf. 84.8% 100 $a Bernhardt, Rolf, $d 1934- n 81070694 2 a9733670 100 $a Carroll, Stephen J. 87.2% 100 $a Carroll, Stephen J., $d 1930- n 79041728 Then there are another set of 4 columns to the right that lists the second near matched heading (if any), along with the same kind of info that first near match has. One of the benefits of going to XLS for this report is that we are able to cut down its size to list only those unmatched headings with near matches at 75.0% confidence or greater. As an example, we reduced the size of one R00 report from listing 1,000 entries to 413 instead. And if the secondary near match isn't at least 75.0% we don't even list it. Clients can also choose to sort the XLS file by whatever column they like (e.g., sort on %-1 from highest to lowest, so you concentrate on only the percentage-levels you prefer). We're also employing a slightly different algorithm that isn't as forgiving for determining confidence values, which is why you may notice a difference between the HTM version and the XLS version. This is very nearly ready to be in place for our clients. We just wanted to keep you posted on our progress and welcome your additional feedback or impressions. Safe travels to ALA, everyone! Backstage is at booth #1944. Nate Cothran Vice President, Automation Services 533 East 1860 South Provo, Utah 84606 Phone: +1.800.288.1265, ext. 697 Direct: +1.801.342.5697 nate(a)bslw.com <mailto:nate@bslw.com?subject=Automation%20Services%20-%20Inquiry> * www.bslw.com <http://www.bslw.com>

1 0

Coming to Seattle for MidWinter? Join us Saturday for the Backstage Breakfast.
by Nate Cothran 08 Jan '13

08 Jan '13

On your way to ALA meetings Saturday morning, take time to drop in at the Backstage Library Works breakfast. Come meet with us at: Ruth's Chris Steak House 727 Pine Street Seattle (Just north of the convention center.) Saturday, January 26, 2013 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. Network with other librarians and touch base with your Backstage crew. Drop in for a few minutes or stay the whole time. This isn't a sales presentation. It's a chance for us to say thank you to our library clients and an opportunity to hear your thoughts. We'll also be giving away prizes, including a Kindle Fire, starting at 8:00. Seating is limited, so please reserve your space online at: www.bslw.com/rsvp <http://bslw.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=12f6693b001ffb5e2c622ac6e &id=259a0626c9&e=68a05c7df1> Can't make the meeting? Want to invite a friend? Pass this invitation along. And visit us in the exhibit hall, booth 1944. ARCHIVAL PROCESSING | DIGITIZATION | PRESERVATION MICROFILM CATALOGING | AUTHORITY CONTROL | ON-SITE SERVICES

1 0