Creating a Constant Data Template in Connexion

Constant Data is a technique in Connexion which allows you to create templates for original cataloging records whose fields and information are the same - two good examples of this use are our electronic dissertations (OCLC #875175367)and SCUA community cookbooks (OCLC #854912107). You can set up your Constant Data to a) remind you of any information you're supposed to include such as fields and subfields, and b) save you the trouble of retyping phrases which always stay the same.

To create a Constant Data template:

1. Open Connexion
2. Click on Cataloging → Create → Constant Data
3. Select appropriate workform type (i.e., Books)
4. Fill in fixed fields (see Notes below)
5. Fill in variable record fields and subfields
6. Delete any fields not wanted (i.e., 856 field)
7. Touch F4 (Action → Save record to Local File)
8. Enter name in Constant Data Name field
9. Click on OK

Your Constant Data is now ready. It can be edited any time by calling up the template (Cataloging → Search → Local Constant Data –> insert name of template in Search For box, select, OK), making any changes, then Saving.

To set a Constant Data template as the default:

1. Open Connexion
2. Click on Cataloging → Search → Local Constant Data
3. Search for template by name, select, OK. This will bring up the template.
4. Click on Edit → Constant Data → Local → Set as Default
5. IMPORTANT - Close template! If you do not, and mistakenly start using it right away as a new original record, you will end up editing the template itself and saving it as that version. If this happens, you will need to re-edit the template to remove the unwanted information.

To apply a Constant Data template:

After setting the desired Constant Data template as the default, you can begin cataloging by opening a blank Workform then applying the Constant Data by using macros. (I use F9 to call up the blank workform then F10 for the Constant Data. And yes, it needs to be done this way.) You can now catalog, validate, apply authorities, save and/or export at will.

Helpful Notes

You create as many different Constant Data templates as needed. Just remember to set any particular one as the Default.

The most constantly set fixed fields in a template are Elvl (I), Srce (d), Lang (eng), Ctry (blank), Cont (b, for bibliographies), Indx (1, if always present), Desc (i), DtSt (s), Illus (a), and Dates (blank). Modify as needed. If you use Desc (i), make sure your 040 field reads AUM |b eng |e rda |c AUM and that the 3xx fields are present.

Save a printout of your original template in case you accidentally edit it instead of applying said template.

When you want a field to include an empty subfield(s) - For instance, 657_7Theses |x |x Doctoral $2local/mu - you can do one of three things: 1) Insert [BLANK] in the empty subfield (|x [BLANK] |x); 2) Insert a period (|x . |x); or 3) Insert a reminder (|x [Degree Program Name] |x).

To create two separate macros which pull up a blank workform then applies the Constant Data, open Connexion and go to Tools → Macros → Manage. Highlight the Cataloging directory on the left then click on New Macro. Name it Workform then click on Edit. Copy and paste the Workform code from R:Connexion Macros\Constant Data. Save. Then go to Tools → Keymaps and in the left column, open Cataloging. Click on Workform to highlight it. Create shortcut with Press New Shortcut Keys. Click on Assign then Ok. Test. Repeat instructions for a ConstantDataII macro.

Created by Kay Dion - November 2016

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