BROWSER VERSIONS FOR NEW FIRSTSEARCH

[Heffner,Rosemary]

BROWSER VERSIONS FOR NEW FIRSTSEARCH


Many current users of the OCLC FirstSearch service have expressed 
interest in learning more about browser requirements for the New 
OCLC FirstSearch, due for full availability in August, 1999.  In 
order to help libraries prepare for New FirstSearch, OCLC 
distributed preliminary information about the technical 
requirements for the new service to the FirstSearch-L list in 
December 1998.  Although New FirstSearch is being designed for 
full functionality with version 4.0 or higher of Netscape and 
Internet Explorer browsers, all critical functionality will be 
available and usable for users of versions 3.x of these browsers.

For full use of the New FirstSearch service as designed, versions 
4.0 or higher of Netscape and Internet Explorer are required. 
Users with version 3.x browsers will have access to critical 
functionality, but may see some differences in screen formatting.  
JavaScript will be used by New FirstSearch to provide functions 
such as pop-up help, automatic saving of tagged records (as is 
done in the current version of FirstSearch), and possibly 
interactive wizards.  In all cases, a non-JavaScript version of 
the function will be available. For example, Help will open in 
the same window or a separate window; there will be some online 
assistance available in place of any wizards, although not as 
interactive; and, a Save button will be available to manually 
save marked records (as per current FirstSearch when JavaScript 
is disabled). Features included in New FirstSearch are those that 
worked in either Navigator 3.0 or Explorer 3.0. However, OCLC is 
designing the service to version 4.x browsers, because they 
better support needed functionality, and provide a sound 
foundation for future development.  CSS, Java applets, and HTML 
4.0 are not used in New FirstSearch design. 

While the user interface of New FirstSearch will be functional 
using version 3.x browsers, use of the new Web-based 
Administrative Module will require version 4.0 or higher 
browsers, due to the use of JavaScript.

Additionally, a separately-designed text-based version of the 
interface will be available, to support those users with low-end 
machines or slow Internet connections, or users who need screen-
readable access.  Text-only access to New FirstSearch will be 
provided through a Lynx browser, which will be run from OCLC to 
eliminate the need for users to install Lynx software on their 
own workstations. 

Please send any questions to:

Sonya Oliver
Product Marketing Division
OCLC, Marketing Reference & Resource Sharing
sonya_oliver at oclc.org