Data Tests

Data and Field tests enable context sensitive linking by making sure that a resource is only offered when appropriate, based on what is in the display on screen. Tests can be against the data, for instance the call number in a particular range, the presence or absence of a particular field or very specific language in a field. Multiple tests can be set for each resource, if necessary. To access click Data and Field Tests in the left-hand sidebar.

Example Data and Field Tests are loaded initially, but you may edit them, delete any you do not require and perhaps create new ones of your own. If you need to create a new data test the following elements need to be completed:

Name: describes the Data test so that it is easy to recognize in the drop-down list when setting up the test for a resource to appear.

What do you want to test?: offers you four ways to set how the test will be applied.

• 1. Record content: does the record contain what is being tested for using a Boolean query to specify the data.
  

  To test for a Dewey call # in the range for medicine so appropriate resources can be offered enter: q,b,c,,,w,610,619.999,
  To test that an item is in the reserve collection so that a location map can be offered enter: q,i,,079,,=,iures,,
  To allow for variable cataloging practices and to test that a record has a particular value in 245 subfield h OR a material type code of one value or another so that a film database can be offered enter: v,b,t,,245:h,h,videorecording,,/v,b,,30,,=,g,,/q,b,,30,,=,v,,/

  For additional information, refer to the Innovative Guide and Reference, Page #108032: Creating bool queries

• 2. Match in coverage database: match data tests determine whether field selectors match fields in the coverage database.
  

  To test if a journal ISSN is available from a resource from which you have loaded coverage data: move Field Selector HasISSn into the selected box and leave it set to Match all.

• 3. Check data in fields: does a particular field exist, not exist or contain certain data defined using a regular expression
  

    a. Has Data
  To test if the record has data in a subject field so that you can offer a subject search against an Encyclopaedia: move HasSubject field selector into the selected box.

    b. Custom

  

  To test if the record has something very specific in a particular field against which you can set a regular expression: in the custom box enter the regular expression and move the appropriate field selector into the selected box.

  For additional information, refer to the Innovative Guide and Reference, Page #108031: Creating regular expressions

• 4. Check for field: is a field present in the record.
  

  To test whether the record is a journal: highlight the HasISSN field selector.

You can input a specific record number, e.g. 11009263, and click apply to verify that a Data Test returns a value of true.

The bib record number is supplied with no preceding "b" and is followed by the check digit.

Once completed save the new test.

For additional information, refer to the Innovative Guide and Reference:

Page #108026: Displaying Resources Based on Records

Page #108027: Displaying Resources Based on Coverage Data

Page #108027: Displaying Links to Resources Based on Record Range

Page #108029: Displaying Links to Resources Based on the Presence of Data in Record Fields

Page #108030: Displaying Resources Based on the Absence of Fields