Macro Express Presentation

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Macro Express Presentation

• For Cataloging and Public Services
• Presenters Julia Allen Jason Fleming

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What is Macro Express?

• Macro Express (ME) is a cross-software Windows
  based macro creation program.
• ME provides automation for daily or repetitive
  tasks.
• ME does not require you to know how to program in
  a scripting language.

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The difference between NOTIS macros and Macro
Express

• NOTIS macro were limited to NOTIS
• Macro Express can contain logic statements
• Macros in Luis were usually limited to simple
  text inserts. Whereas ME can perform more complex
  tasks

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Macro Express Possibilities

• There are three different methods for creating a
  macro
• Scripting Editor
• Direct Editor
• Capture Macro
• There is also the Quick Wizard that provides step
  by step help.

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Scripting Editor

• The scripting editor allows you to create your
  macro using predefined commands which includes
  logic statements, text, timing, and mouse
  control. You can also put documentation within
  the macro. Here is a sample of the code

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ME Commands

• Using the script editor you can select the
  command you want and add it to the macro.
• You can also specify that a macro is launched at
  a certain time of day, or only if other
  parameters are met.

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Direct Editor

• The direct editor will probably be the least used
  method of creating a macro.
• The direct editor allows you to hand code if
  you so choose. Here is a sample

ltMSD100gtltTEXTTYPEltALTDgtwltALTUgt2gtltALTDgtltTEXTTYPE
agtltALTUgtltMSD100gtltTEXTTYPEltENTERgtgtltREM2Index
Tab 1 - Order informationgtltMSD1111gtltGETCONTROL2P
01ACQ.EXE32770Order Form -
001114ButtongtltCCLICKT010TgtltTEXTTYPEltARRO
W DOWNgtgtltMSD555gt
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Capture Macro

• This function allows you to capture a macro as
  you do it. This method is sometimes referred to
  as recording.
• After testing this method, it is apparent that
  there are few parameters that must be set
  correctly for your macro to work properly and
  efficiently it is highly recommended you use the
  Scripting Editor instead.

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Limitations

• The Macro Express program is very powerful. In
  the wrong hands it can prove disastrous.
• ME is not as efficient at evaluating cataloging
  fields as it is at handling forms in the other
  modules.
• Because Aleph frequently slows down during the
  course of the day, ME must allow for this.
• Not very efficient at analyzing complex text
  strings.

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Capabilities

• Keystrokes done by the user can be limited to
  only those where human intervention are required.
  Decrease in Carpal Tunnel.
• Cross program macros can be created to help users
  with bigger projects. This is a new feature for
  us to use (NOTIS and EXCEL did not have this
  feature)

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Live Demonstrations

• Aleph-Web OPAC
• Move to CCL search in Web OPAC
• Connexion-Aleph Macro
• Holdings

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Q A

• What questions can we answer for you?
• Anything is up for discussion.

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Form for MEWG

• http//web.uflib.ufl.edu/rs/RSTech/macro_express/m
  acro_req_form.htm

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Handouts

• Guidelines for Technology Services