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Accessing the CARL Database via Telnet

Telnet is an Internet application that allows you to access text-only online services. The advantage to using telnet, rather than the CARL-Web, to access CARL is that search results will not only tell you whether your desired book is available in a Bibliomation network library, but it will also tell you which libraries have the book available.

If you have WWW software set up, you may also have a telnet program on your computer. If you don't know where to look, try typing into your web browser 'telnet://pac.carl.org' and see if your telnet application starts up. If it doesn't, look on your hard drive or your Internet software disks for a telnet program - it may be there somewhere!

From your web browser, you can either type in 'telnet://pac.carl.org' as a URL, or click on a link set up for this address (like this one, for example). If you want to log in directly from your telnet application, start a new terminal session with 'pac.carl.org' as the host.

Starting the CARL Online Session

Once the connection is made, the following text should appear on your screen: WELCOME TO CSI.CARL.ORG [PORT $ZTC0 #23 WINDOW $ZT2.#PTZE0XT] TELSERV - T9553D30 - (17NOV95) - (IPMACA) Available Services: PAC EXIT Enter Choice>
Enter 'pac' (either upper- or lower-case) and <enter>.
Next, the following should appear:
Welcome to the CARL system Please identify your terminal. Choices are: 1.ADM (all) 2.APPLE,IBM 3.TANDEM 4.TELE-914 5.VT100 6.WYSE 50 7.ZENTEC 8.HARDCOPY 9.IBM 316x Use HARDCOPY if your terminal type isn't listed.. SELECT LINE #: Choice number 5 is a safe bet with most telnet programs. If the text formatting following this choice doesn't look right, try 'hardcopy'.
All set. When you are ready to exit the system, simply type //EXIT, or hang up. Now, press return to enter the Public Access Catalog... Hit <enter>.


Getting To the Bibliomation Database

 The Bibliomation network connects various public and academic libraries from around Connecticut, including those in the lower Naugutuck Valley. With CARL, you can look at many library databases from around the U.S., but will probably be most interested in information from the Bibliomation database. Books not found in your local library can be obtained via inter-library loan from another Bibliomation library. If the wait is too long, you can always drive to the library, since library cards from one library can be used at any other in the Bibliomation system.


The main menu will look similar to this:

WELCOME TO THE CARL CORPORATION NETWORK AND UNCOVER CARL Corporation currently offers access to over 20 commercial databases and to over 420 individual library catalogs that are a part of the CARL System. The UnCover database and some of the other commercial databases allow access to any user. Others require licensing and the use of a password or library card. The CARL System Library catalogs are open to all users. Please contact the CARL Corp. at database@carl.org or 303/758-3030 for more information on passwords and licensing. !!!!NEW DATABASE--#99!!!! 1. UnCover--Article access & document delivery--No password required 2. OPEN ACCESS Databases--No password required 3. LICENSED Databases--Restricted access 4. CARL System Library Catalogs--No password required 5. FAQ--Frequently Asked Database Questions *99. UnCover EXPRESS (Articles available in 1 Hour) You may enter //EXIT at any time to leave this system. Enter the NUMBER of your choice, and press the <RETURN> key >> Enter '4' and <enter>.

Power-user secret: Eventually you will be choosing choice 62 for the Bibliomation system. To access it from most menus (including this one), you can just type '62', even when it's not listed.

CARL SYSTEM LIBRARIES 35. CARL Systems Libraries - Eastern U.S. * Includes public, academic, and school library catalogs, and some local information systems. 36. CARL Systems Libraries - Western U.S. * Includes public, academic and school library catalogs, and some local information databases 37. CARL Systems Libraries - Western U.S. (Menu 2) Enter the NUMBER of your choice, and press the <RETURN> key >> Choose '35' and <enter>.

LIBRARY CATALOGS -- EASTERN UNITED STATES 60. Atlanta/Fulton County Public Library (GA) 61. Baltimore County Library (MD) 62. Bibliomation (CT) 63. Broward County Libraries (FL) 64. C/W MARS (MA) 65. Capitol Region Library Consortium (CT) 75. Chicago Public Library (IL) . . . Enter the NUMBER of your choice, and press the <RETURN> key >> Type '62' and <enter>


Accessing the Card Catalog

 The starting screen for the Bibliomation database has its own set of menus. Without showing all the menu choices, to get to the card catalogs, choose:

From the Main Menu, 2. Bibliomation Libraries (Libraries in our Network) From the next menu, 10. Biblio-Global Catalog (All Bibliomation network libraries) You can select other menu items, such as using only public or only academic libraries, but the Global Catalog will give you the fullest results for your particular search.


Using the Card Catalog Search

 You now have the power to search the catalogs of all the Bibliomation System libraries at once. Searches can be performed using:
You are prompted along the way to aid in your search. There are also help screens available on certain topics. Once you become familiar with search methods, be sure to check out the help on QUICK SEARCH, which will save a significant amount of time in your future searches.


Happy Hunting!


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Last revised October 6, 1996

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