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OPAL Updates and Tips

OPAL Update April 15, 2020

by Heidi Beke-Harrigan on 2020-04-20T09:45:00-04:00 in Circulation, EBSCO, EDS | 0 Comments

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This week we bring you vendor news, OhioLINK updates and more resources to help you navigate this wild new frontier. Don't miss the Journal of the Plague Year feature at the bottom!


How to Enable COVID-19 Free Resources in EBSCO Discovery Service and Full Text Finder
EBSCO has worked with publisher partners to streamline access to expanded content available during the crisis and make resources more easily accessible and searchable for users. The relevant collections are updated weekly and listed in a table. Corresponding packages to enable in Holdings Management (for Full Text Finder) are listed next to each database and should be turned on if you enable the database in your EDS.

Note that while publishers may make specific collections available to search, that does not mean full text will be available in every instance. If you add a resource in EDS, but also want it to show up in your EBSCO database list of options, you will need to select it in EBSCOhost if it is available. It's a good idea to keep a list of temporary resources you add, but don't normally subscribe to, so that you can easily remove them when the time comes.

For off-campus authentication you'll also want to make sure the provider has your IP range(s) including proxy IP information and that the resource is included in your EZProxy (if applicable).

If you'd like a refresher on adding packages here are two tutorials:

For questions contact opalhelp@ohionet.org


Wiley Suspends Printing and Distribution of Journal Issues
Due to current challenges affecting printing operations during the pandemic, Wiley has suspended printing and distribution of journal issues until further notice. Print subscribers without access to publications via Wiley Online Library should receive information from Wiley regarding alternative access shortly.
 


Updates Coming to the EJC Platform

Usability testing and refinements are taking place throughout April and May to prepare for an updated and more user-friendly EJC platform. As part of the changes taking place, the personalized MyEJC feature will be decomissioned. Usage of the feature has been low and data privacy concerns are driving the decision. Affected My EJC users will be alerted individually in the next week. The full platform roll out is expected in Summer 2020.

Contact Judy Cobb (jcobb@ohiolink.edu) Manager, Digital Platforms at OhioLINK with any concerns or questions.


Recommendations for OhioLINK Libraries

  • Enter local service information such as status of book drops on campus, plans to clear or eliminate fines during the Covid-19 pandemic, local and ILL print lending and article scanning status, and backup PCIRC contact information into the shared OhioLINK spreadsheet.
  • As your library has more information about your closure dates (corrections to what OhioLINK has listed, extensions to your closure dates, anticipated re-opening dates, etc.) please have your library’s dean, director, lead implementer, or ICS representative let OhioLINK know by filling out the support form.

The COVID-19 PCIRC Changes page provides the latest recommendations approved by ICS and contact information for the Project Team.

 


Local Authentication, Barcode and Identification Questions
You may have noticed the new message at the bottom of the OPAL Catalog. It provides a support link for individuals who experience navigation and access issues in the catalog. We forward any messages about local log-in or authentication issues to the relevant member library.  Please let us know at opalhelp@ohionet.org if there's a specific contact at your institution we should notify. Otherwise we will forward to circulation staff and the email listed under the Contact Us tab in the help section of the catalog. 


Current Discussions, Webinars and Resources


Block print of magenta orange slices and white abstract shapes on cobalt background

A Journal of the Plague Year: An Archive of COVID 19


The repository was initiated by Catherine O’Donnell, Richard Amesbury, and Mark Tebeau in the School for Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University as a way to document personal experiences and impressions in this uncertain moment. It captures how Covid 19 has affected our lives in ways both big and small, and has grown into an international collaborative project including some Ohio-based contributors.

How are you sharing your stories?

 

 

 

 

Coronavirus inspired artwork by Glenn Harper from the Australian Collection


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