Another group member wanted to know what OCLC's plans are for authenticating remote users of FirstSearch. IP address authentication, which is available in the current FirstSearch service, will continue with the new FirstSearch. Some libraries have provided authentication for remote users by IP address recognition using a proxy server. In addition, OCLC provides Web scripting that can be used to authenticate remote users. The general problem of authenticating remote users is a knotty problem that we do plan to work on.
Nothing further is underway now, however.
Suggestions Among the suggestions for the interface were a display of the count of marked records from an entire search session, and a way to redisplay for printing that would eliminate extra graphics while keeping the search statement. One person suggested that as people type in words in the thesaurus, they be given recommended terms for that concept. A consortium staff person wanted to know if OCLC could create a consortium-level authorization. The last segment of the meeting was a discussion of what the participants would like the group to do and be. Very few participants wanted OCLC to establish an Internet discussion list.