The function keys obtainable by users at a particular screen display at the bottom of all Talis screens. For example, if the user is able to print a particular screen, then the <F2> ("Output") function key will display in the function key template at the bottom of the screen. Refer to Table 5.1: Common Miscellaneous Function Keys which lists all generic function keys with a brief description of their functionality.
|
Purpose |
Function Key Option and Result |
|
Help |
Select <F1> ("Help") to access context-sensitive online help. Universally available. |
|
Output Search Results |
Select <F2> ("Output") to print one or more references. Available at any point after search results. |
|
Expand Notes |
Select <F3> ("Expand Notes") to view the full text of any Notes attached to a copy. Available at the Location Details screen. |
|
Order Information |
Select <F3> ("Order info") to view Supplier Reports for on-order Items. Available from the Locations List. |
|
Previous Record |
Select <F4> ("Prev") to browse the previous record details. Available at any list. Text varies according to context; "Prev Title", "Prev Site" etc. |
|
Renewing Loans |
Select <F4> ("Renew") to renew any outstanding loans. Available only in Borrower Services. |
|
Next Record |
Select <F5> ("Next") to browse the next record details. Available at any list. Text varies according to context; "Next Title", "Next Site" etc. |
|
Cancelling Reservations |
Select <F5> ("Cancel") to cancel any reservations. Available only in Borrower Services. |
|
Title Details |
Select <F7> ("Title") to display the full record of a Work. Available at the References List, Locations List or by selecting the "Title" option from the <F10> ("Options") menu. |
|
Holdings Information |
Select <F8> ("Holdings") to view the Serial Holdings screen. Available from the Serial Volumes screen. |
|
Volumes Information |
Select <F8> ("Volumes") to view the Serial Volumes List. Available from the Recent Issues Received List. |
|
Options |
Select <F10> ("Options") to access the Options Menu. A number of alternative options are available from this menu, including: Related, Reserve, Output, Limit, Title. |
|
Search Restriction |
Select <F10> ("Limit") to modify your current search. Available from Index and References Screen or by selecting the "Limit" option from the <F10> ("Options") menu. |
|
Accessing the Search Menu |
Select <F11> ("Search Menu") to choose another available service. |
|
Quitting |
Select <F12> ("Back") to return to your previous position in the system. |
Table 5.1: Common Miscellaneous Function Keys
Talis makes context-sensitive help available at every screen. Once the <F1> ("Help") key has been selected, the user is placed in help mode and a window displays with help information. The user can scroll through the information available in the window using the arrow keys or other cursor control keys such as <Home>, <End>, <PgUp> and <PgDn>. Help provides the user with detailed information about what to do next.
Once the user is placed in help mode, the function key options change. The user is then able to select to view <F3> ("More Help") or <F5> ("Keyboard Help") which offers advice on navigating around the screen. It is also possible to <F6> ("Exit Help") which takes the user out of the help mode and back to the point at which they entered the Help screens.
Note: Selecting <F6> ("Exit Help") is a shortcut alternative to pressing <F12> ("Back") repeatedly.
Having performed a search and obtained one or more references (or if you have progressed further than obtaining references) printing may be selected in two ways:
OPAC currently provides five output formats (in addition to print screen) and the number of references that can be printed is limited. Printing is to a network printer, not to a slave printer.
Printing from OPAC may be restricted to Library members. The Library can enforce the prompting for a Barcode/PIN before the user is allowed to print, using the environment variable TAL_OUTPUT_CONTROL. If this is set to "Yes" then the system will prompt for a Borrower Barcode/PIN. If this is not set then the Print Form will display immediately on selecting Output (by whichever means). Refer to Chapter 11: OPAC Related Environment Variables.
A maintenance interface has been provided to allow Libraries to set up printers, link output devices (i.e. printers) to Device Groups, and define which printers may be used by each Device Group. The Library may also specify the maximum number of references which may be output from a list. Refer to System Manager Manual, Volume 2: Application Maintenance, Chapter 38: Implementation of Printing for further details.
Users can change the format of printing by selecting an alternative format from a list. Print formats available from OPAC are:
Users can select the destination printer of their choice by selecting an alternative printer from a list (if a choice is available).
This list is set-up via Online Utilities. The Library can also specify which should be the default printer available to a particular login, so that certain printers are available from certain OPAC terminals. (If further information is required, refer to System Manager Manual, Volume 2: Application Maintenance,Chapter 38: Implementation of Printing).
The maximum entries which may be output from a list will vary according to the format. The Library is able to specify the maximum number of records from a list which may be output in any single print request. If the user attempts to exceed this amount, the system will automatically adjust this to the maximum number of records permitted.
Note: Output begins with the first entry shown on the current screen (rather than from the current position of the highlight bar).
The Output Reference is a unique number for each print request. If the Library decides not to use Borrower Numbers for controlling access to output requests then the Output Reference can be used for the identification of print-outs. Upon "accepting" the print request the system will inform the user of the Output Reference number.
When selecting the Output/Print Screen option, the screen is printed beneath brief header information. The header/footer comprises the Borrower Barcode (if used) and Name, the Output Reference number, the location that the print was initiated from, the date and time of the request. The purpose of the header is to assist identification.
If the print request fails for any reason then a message box informs the user that the print request has failed and advises them to consult a member of staff. For example, if the user is not set-up for printing, a message box will appear:
Output is not possible from this terminal. Please contact a member of library staff for advice
The Library has control over who is authorised to print information and from which areas:
The option to display Notes information in full is only possible from the Location Details screen. By selecting <F3> ("Expand notes") the user can view the full text of any Item Notes attached to a copy. For further details, refer to Item Notes.
If more than 17 characters are present in the Item Notes field, the final 3 characters ("...") indicate the presence of more information.
By selecting <F3> ("Expand notes") the user can view the full text of any Notes attached to a copy. The Item Notes are scrollable in full.
If the <F3> ("Expand notes") option is selected on a line where no Item Notes are available then a message box will be presented informing the user:
No notes are available for this item Press any key to return to the list
Depending on how the OPAC terminal user has been enabled, it may be possible to view information from Supplier's reports about on-order items. If so, selecting <F3> ("Order info") from the Locations List permits the user to view Supplier Reports for on-order Items. For further information, refer to Supplier Reports Display.
The record browse facility applies when browsing record details off any list. The record for the highlighted list entry displays on selecting <F7> ("Title Details") following a search by Author, Title, Keyword, Control Number, Classmark, Subject or any of the Reading List search keys.
Having obtained record details from the References List, it is possible to view the next or previous record in the index directly by selecting <F5> ("Next Title") or <F4> ("Prev Title") respectively. This is particularly helpful for users who wish to view several records in turn briefly, to assess their scope and relevance.
The browsing facility to view information about the next or previous item in a list/index using <F5> ("Next") or <F4> ("Previous") works on every level in the OPAC search hierarchy. For example, it is possible to view the next/previous Author, the next/previous Title, the next/previous Location etc. using these same keys.
This functionality effectively gives a fast "one key" short-cut equivalent to the following alternative:
This facility available at a further hierarchical level having selected <F7> ("Title Details") on the Location Details List. Selecting <F5> ("Next Title") or <F4> ("Previous Title") at this point gives a rapid alternative to the equivalent steps enumerated below:
The Title Details screen is accessed when the user presses <F7> ("Title") on the References List or Locations List (or by selecting the "Title" option from the Options Menu at these locations). Refer to Title Detail Screen if further information is required.
Selecting <F4> ("Renew") from the Borrower Loans screen renews the highlighted Item. This option is only available once the user has selected Borrower Services from the OPAC Main Menu, entered a Borrower ID and PIN (if required) and selected Loans. Refer to Chapter 6: Borrower Services.
Selecting <F5> ("Cancel") from the Borrower Reservations screen cancels an existing reservation. This option is only available once the user has selected Borrower Services from the OPAC Main Menu, entered a Borrower ID and PIN (if required) and selected Reservations. Refer to Chapter 6: Borrower Services.
The <F8> ("Holdings") function key is available only from the Serial Volumes List to enable the user to view the Serial Holdings information. If further details are required, refer to Serial Holdings List and The Serial Volumes List.
The <F8> ("Volumes") function key is available only from the Recent Issues Received List to enable the user to view the Serial Volumes information. If further details are required, refer to The Recent Issues Received List and The Serial Volumes List.
Having performed a search and arrived at a list of references, selecting the <F10> ("Options") key accesses the Options Menu, as illustrated in Figure 5.1: Example Options Menu.
There are a number of options available, as summarised in Table 5.2: Common Options Following a Search.
|
Option |
Description/Purpose |
|
Related |
Searches for similar works in the Catalogue. |
|
Reserve |
Requests this work to be reserved. |
|
Limit |
Modifies the search, to broaden or narrow its scope. |
|
Output |
Prints one or more references. |
|
Locations |
Displays a list of Library locations holding copies. |
|
Title |
Displays full bibliographic details for the Work currently selected. |
Table 5.2: Common Options Following a Search
Select the "Related" option to search for other Works which are by the same Author or about the same subject and shelved near the current Work. This menu option is available from the following screens:
(Refer to Related Searches).
Upon selecting the "Reserve" option to request this Work to be reserved, the user is prompted for a Borrower Number and - if required by Library policy - a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Refer to The Reservations List for further information.
The screen is divided into two parts, with the top part being used to display bibliographic details of the Work in question. The remainder of the screen is the Reserving Title window, comprising instructions on how to place a reservation and the following information:
The Public Reservation Charge may be set-up in Utilities, Parameters, Rules, OPAC, Borrower Res: refer to Defining OPAC Borrower Reservations Rules.
The Preferred Collection Site is the branch or location from which the Borrower is instructed collect the Work when available.
Once the user accesses the Public Reservation Screen, the cursor is placed on the Preferred Collection Site field.
On attempting to place a reservation via OPAC or TalisWeb OPAC, the system determines the best Collection Site and informs the Borrower of the best Site and available copies. The default Collection Site appears initially, but the Site shown may be changed as required, if the Library has allowed for this (as set up in Utilities Parameters Rules Circulation Reservation Filter: refer to System Manager Manual, Volume 2: Application Maintenance, Section 3.13.1: Defining a Reservation Filter and/or Defining Reservation Filter Rules in this manual.. Collection Sites may be listed on demand by selecting the <F5> ("Change Site") option. Depending on the "Multiple Item Home Sites" reservation filter parameter, as discussed in Defining Reservation Filter Rules, the Library may optionally permit the OPAC user to select more than one Collection Site.
OPAC Single Collection Site: If the "Multiple Item Home Sites" reservation filter parameter has been set to "No" then only a single Collection Site may be selected by highlighting it and then pressing <F9> ("Accept") to close the list.
OPAC Multiple Collection Sites: If the value in the "Public Res Default Site Type" reservation filter parameter has been set to "Item Home Sites" and the "Multiple Item Home Sites" reservation filter parameter has been set to "Yes", then an <F6> ("Select") option is available from the pop-up list, enabling selecting one or more Sites. The <F6> ("Select") key toggles the flag on each highlighted Site between "S" (selected) and " " (unselected). The selected Collection Site(s) may then be confirmed by pressing <F9> ("Accept") to close the list.
The Reservation Filter then operates to select copies that are less heavily reserved, and chooses the most reservable copies from the specified Sites. When the system reports what the Collection Site will be, the user has the option of changing his/her selection before the reservation is placed.
The default Last Useful Date, after which date the reservation will be cancelled automatically, may also be changed, if the Library has allowed for this option (as defined in Utilities, Parameters, Rules, OPAC, Borrower Res: refer to Defining OPAC Borrower Reservations Rules).
To place the reservation for the specified Work, the user presses <Enter>.
Users can of course check their reservations in Borrower Services and cancel any they are not happy about (if they have been set-up with an enablement to do so). Refer to Chapter 6: Borrower Services, The Reservations List.
This option is available for references retrieved from Author, Title, Keyword, Author/Title, Author/Keyword and Classmark searches. Select the "Limit" option to restrict the search after retrieving too many references (i.e. "post-restriction"). It is possible to restrict a search by the following options, which appear in the pop-up Limit Menu:
|
Limit Option |
Description |
|
DATE |
Limits search by year of publication |
|
LANGUAGE |
Limits search by language of publication |
|
FORMAT |
Limits search by format of material |
|
OPUS |
Limits search by Opus number - for music |
|
AND |
Combines with another word to narrow search. This is only displayed in a Keyword search. |
|
OR |
Combines with another word to broaden search. This is only displayed in a Keyword search. |
Upon selecting each of these options you will be presented with the relevant novice search restriction prompt. (Refer to Search Restriction).
Having performed a search, the "Output" option (for printing) may be selected from the Options Menu. Refer to Output Results from OPAC.
Select the "Locations" option to display location information about Library sites holding copies of a Work. This option is available after performing a search from the References Lists.
Select the "Title" option to display the full record of the Work currently selected. Refer to Title Detail Screen for further information.
Select <F10> ("Limit") to modify your current search. Search restriction is a useful technique for avoiding retrieval of too many references in response to a search. It is possible to restrict a search by:
Typing in a search and pressing <F10> ("Limit") at the search prompt displays the Limit Menu (pre-restriction). The same function key is available from an Index and References Screen (post-restriction) or by selecting the "Limit" option from the <F10> ("Options") menu. (Refer to Search Restriction).
Selecting <F12> ("Back") from any screen takes the user to their previous position in the search session. If the user keeps selecting <F12> ("Back") then they will exit OPAC if a staff user or return to the OPAC Welcome Screen if using a public terminal.
Selecting <F11> ("Search Menu") returns the user to the original OPAC Welcome Screen shown in Figure 5.3: The OPAC Welcome Screen. This main menu permits the user to perform another search, view Borrower Services, change the Catalogue they are using or exit the system (if a Staff user).
Figure 5.3: The OPAC Welcome Screen
Talis has been designed to work with a variety of terminals, each with different (possibly non-standard) keyboards. Talis has been given builtin flexibility to operate with ASCII text terminals having no function keys and with terminals having function keys which send unrecognised codes. Libraries providing telnet access to their Catalogues are likely to want to set-up a login that makes use of non-standard function keys.
The methods of displaying function key options, and for making the desired function key options obtainable by users allow considerable flexibility.
Environment variables are used for defining which function key are displayed and which can be used when setting-up <Escape> and <Return> based function key alternatives for OPAC.
The default condition (i.e. no variables set) is for the system to provide the normal function keys ("Mode 1", i.e. <F1> through to <F12>): this means the system will display the things defined as function keys, by making up their names onscreen.
The two environment variables are:
These environment variables provide the following aspects of control:
This variable is used to determine which kind of keys will be used. There are various modes available for selection. TAL_FKEY_MODE enables the product to work in any combination of three ways:
|
Mode |
Function Key Enablement |
|
1 |
Normal function keys |
|
2 |
"Alternate" function keys (using <Escape> before the key). |
|
4 |
Return-based keys |
TAL_FKEY_MODE allows for any combination of three alternative modes of usage:
The "Alternate" function keys option can involve use of any key, for example <Esc> or <Alt> (or any other key, displayable or nondisplayable), as used in Talis.
The mode settings may be added together. For example, to make available both Normal function keys and "Alternate" function keys at the same time, set the mode to 3:
i.e. 1+2 = 3
Mode 7 will cause the keyboard to "look" for normal function keys, "alternate" function keys and returnbased keys:
i.e. 4+2+1 = 7
This allows a flexible range of options for obtaining the same result:
The variable TAL_FKEY_DISP_MODE governs which function keys will be displayed. Setting this variable enables the function keys to be displayed on screen in any combination of the following four ways. To summarise:
|
Mode |
Function Key Display |
|
1 |
Normal function keys. |
|
2 |
"Alternate" function keys. |
|
4 |
Return-based keys |
|
8 |
User-defined text for the two function key lines. (Not currently available). |
Note: The display mode (TAL_FKEY_DISP_MODE) is independent from the operational mode (TAL_FKEY_MODE); so that, for example, pressing <F10> will still give the Options Menu even if the function key template may not mention it literally by name.
There are certain foibles and idiosyncrasies in the method of setting function keys which is important to be aware of in advance:
In "Returnbased" mode, there are minor incongruities in the behaviour of the product:
Note: In practice, characterbased keys are only used in search functions; they cannot be used in editing. It should also be noted that this functionality only applies to OPAC.
This chapter explores the different function keys available in TalisWeb OPAC and the functionality they perform. It also describes how Talis can work with different keyboards to allow the same functions to be obtainable.
Copyright 1998 © BLCMP Library Services Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
