A-Link

The ability to easily import simple title information into ABLE is required for non-ABLE Library accounts and for ABLE Library accounts wanting to read information from their circulation system using a subset of the AVIAC standard.  This document describes an ABLE 6 Library Import and Bindery Import service, similar to the Z-Link service.  The service is called A-Link.

Workflow

• The customer provides titles in AVAIC “standard” format (ASCII text files ). 

• For Non-ABLE customers, the files are processed on the Bindery workstation used for processing Bindery Transfer Files (diskettes or FTP).

• For ABLE Library customers, the files are processed at the Library using this Import Service.  The Lots are transferred to bindery the same way they are now.

Processing

The Import Service operation is similar to Z-Link.  Instead of a Z-Link screen, an AVIAC screen is displayed.  Volumes are retrieved from the A-Link import file one at a time.  As they are retrieved they are considered processed.  The count of items processed is displayed. 

The bar code scanning of the Library Bar Code, Call Number or ISBN/ISSN is also supported.  The Library Bar Code may be saved in the ABLEä Private Id field.  (Note: This may change when ABLEä  Bindery is completed.)

The entire process can be reset by entering the same File Name on the Import Service Screen.

There is a table for mapping the AVIAC fields to ABLEä variable prompt fields similar to Z-Link mapping.  A format entered just as for Z-Link that is filled in when a AVIAC record is retrieved.

Mapping Tables

A-Link Mapping Tables are used to translate AVIAC fields to ABLEä fields.  Multiple Mapping Tables may be defined.

A-Link Fields

Title ID (Library)

Title ID (Bindery)

Library Bar Code *

ISSN / ISBN

Title

Sub-Title

Author

Variable Information: Series

Variable Information: Volume

Variable Information: Number

Variable Information: Months

Variable Information: Year

Variable Information: Page Numbers

Variable Information: Abstract Numbers

Call Number

Shipment (Lot) Number)

Date Sent to Binder

Expected Return Date

Date Returned to Library

Department (Library Location)

Collection 

*  Not a part of the AVIAC subset.