Custom Services and Training Overview

Custom Services
Training
Contact Information

Custom Services

A successful implementation of the Open SiteSearch software begins with software installation and encompasses a variety of activities including the software configuration, interface design, data conversion and loading. For sites with limited systems staff or immediate implementation requirements, OCLC provides the following Custom Services to assist in implementing Open SiteSearch:

• Configuration Assistance
• Custom Interface Design
• Database Index Design Services
• Data Conversion Programs
• Custom Development

For additional information, please contact Open SiteSearch Custom Services.

Configuration Assistance

For sites with limited systems staff or immediate implementation requirements, OCLC can perform initial system configurations. Configuration assistance includes standard set-up and configuration of the Open SiteSearch software components by OCLC's consultants to ensure timely implementation. Some configuration assistance activities include:

• Configuring access to FirstSearch databases
• Configuring access to other Z39.50 databases (e.g., a library's OPAC)

Custom Interface Design

Custom interface design services provide assistance in customizing the Open SiteSearch WebZ Out-of-the-Box-Interface, including consultation, file modification, and testing. During the consultation, OCLC will assist the library in analyzing how to best customize the interface to meet unique local needs and perform the work as requested. After analysis, OCLC will configure WebZ to reflect changes to the Out-of-the-Box Interface outlined during the analysis.

Database Index Design Services

To build a database with the conversion and database building programs included with Open SiteSearch Database Builder, a library's SiteSearch system administrator must first create an index design and record presentation format. For assistance in designing database indexing and record presentation, OCLC can analyze the data and prepare an indexing specification (database description file) and record presentation (fcl files) according to the library's requirements.

Data Conversion Programs

To create a database with Open SiteSearch Database Builder, the data must be converted to the BER format, the internal record format for Open SiteSearch databases. Database Builder includes MARC-to-BER and SGML-to-BER conversion programs. OCLC can create a custom BER conversion program to convert data in other formats to the BER format. Data encoded in BER can then be loaded into an Open SiteSearch database using Database Builder programs.

Custom Development

To extend the functionality of Open SiteSearch WebZ, OCLC can provide libraries with additional custom development. Custom development work includes activities that extend the WebZ software by adding HTML, Java Classes, etc. Examples of this custom development include:

• Writing custom WebZ gadgets
• Inserting custom functionality into the interface
• Developing additional components that work with WebZ such as a system to create and maintain community information databases.

Training

SiteSearch training courses are currently available under the following topics:

• WebZ
  
• Database Builder
  
• Record Builder

Custom modules can be designed to meet specific training needs. The courses are conducted in our state-of-the-art training facilities at OCLC's Dublin, Ohio headquarters.

See Also

Course Descriptions
Class Agendas
Slide Presentations

Contact Information

To obtain a quote on custom services or training or for more information, contact Stephanie Napier, Open SiteSearch Product Manager, via e-mail at or by phone at (800) 848-5878, ext. 5229 or +1-614-761-5229.

See Also