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Configuring OCLC Connexion Client for Export to Alma

OCLC Connexion is a service available to all OCLC member libraries that have a cataloging subscription, which includes all I-Share member libraries. Connexion is available via both a web browser and a desktop-based client, and is one of several options for transferring records from WorldCat to Alma. Instructions for exporting are covered separately.

The following instructions cover the settings needed to configure the Connexion client software to export bibliographic records from WorldCat a zone specified in the settings. For many libraries, this will be a one-time setup process per workstation. 

Settings for Different Zones

Connexion Client allows multiple Gateway Exports when the host URLs differ, so it is fine to have exports set up to both your IZ and NZ. Refer to the following table to create settings for each different zone (e.g., your institution zone, the Network Zone, one of the premium sandboxes). Enter the host name exactly as found; do not enter a protocol (e.g., https://) before the host name.

Host Names and Logons
Zone Host Name Logon ID
Institution i-share-xyz.alma.exlibrisgroup.com 01CARLI_XYZ
Network i-share-network.alma.exlibrisgroup.com 01CARLI_NETWORK
Sandbox sandbox02-na.alma.exlibrisgroup.com 01CARLI_ABC
Network Sandbox sandbox02-na.alma.exlibrisgroup.com 01CARLI_NETWORK

In the table above, "XYZ" represents your institution's three-letter CARLI code. Settings may be case sensitive, so follow the capitalization as shown. For sandboxes, "ABC" represents the institution code associated with a given sandbox. See Alma Sandbox Information for more details.

Passwords for institution zones, the network zone, and sandboxes, may be found in the XYZ Credentials subfolder for your institution's Box account.

Configuration Instructions

  1. Open the Connexion client on your workstation.
  2. Select the Tools menu > Options.
  3. Click the Export tab.
    An image of the Connexion client export options screen.
  4. Click Create.
  5. In the New Export Destination box, select OCLC Gateway Export. Then click OK.
    An image of the Connexion client New Export Destination window with OCLC Gateway Export selected.
  6. In the Local System Settings box that appears, enter details according to the following table.
    Common gateway export settings for all I-Share Zones
    Setting Any Zone
    Host Name See Host Names and Logons table
    Port 5500
    Options: Permanent Connection unchecked
    Options: Notify Host Before Disconnect unchecked
    Options: Print Results to Default Printer institution preference
    Options: Timeout 90
    Options: Retries 3
    Options: Delay 0
    Send Local System Login ID and Password checked
    Logon ID See Hosts and Logons table
    Password  
    Send User ID unchecked
  7. Click OK.
    An image of the Connexion client OCLC Gateway Export settings filled out for the CARLI network zone.
  8. When prompted to select a Gateway Destination Name, enter a phrase to indicate which zone you have configured. E.g., "Export to Network Zone" or "XYZ IZ" or "Sandbox 1".
    An image of the Connexion Export Destination Name window.

Additional Export Settings

Some Connexion client settings apply to all exports regardless of destination. The following configuration may be necessary the first time after installation only. It may be good practice to review these settings before beginning any new exports.

The Record Characteristics window controls the record format and character set for the exported data. Alma's import integration requires MARC21 and UTF-8.

  1. When viewing the Options screen, click Record Characteristics.
  2. Select MARC 21 and UTF-8 Unicode for both bibliographic records and authority records. Then click OK.
    An image of the Connexion client export settings for record characteristics.
  3. Select the Batch tab.
  4. Under Record Actions > Perform local actions in batch, make sure that Bibliographic Record Export remains Unchecked. 
    An image of the Connexion client batch settings screen with Perform local actions in batch for bibliographic records unchecked.
  5. Click OK.

Troubleshooting

Some libraries may encounter problems where the Connexion client will crash after the cataloger exports a record. In reviewing your export settings, watch for the following:

  • In the host name field, only include the host name as listed above. Including other text, such as "https://" or a "/" after the host name may corrupt the gateway settings.
  • Make sure that the host name and the Logon ID correspond to each other. For example, for i-share-network.alma.exlibrisgroup.com, use logon ID 01CARLI_NETWORK.

OCLC has identified a few additional possible causes for this issue:

Permanent Connection setting is checked.
Gateway connections file is corrupt.
Alma integration port is unavailable.
Local firewall settings may block connection.

Consult OCLC's Connexion troubleshooting documentation or OCLC support for other issues not found here.

Updated May 15, 2025