The World Wide Web interface for MadCat has been up and running for many months. It is one of two choices listed under MadCat in the Electronic Library, the other being the Command version. The Web version provides access to the same database as the familiar Command version, however the Web version offers some versatility not available in the older interface. If you haven't yet discovered this variety of MadCat, there are some interesting features to explore.
The Web version offers both a Simple and an Advanced search screen. For the Simple search, you merely type your search terms in the box and click on the Submit button (or hit the "Enter" key). Your results are quickly displayed in Brief format. Like the Command version, you can easily alternate among the Full, Brief, or List displays, or you can quickly jump to a desired point within your search results. You can customize your search so that the computer will search by keyword, for author, title, subject, series, or periodicals.
The Advanced Search offers all the features of the Simple search but also affords additional flexibility. Here, separate windows permit boolean searches and the option of limiting by format (e.g. scores, recordings, videos, etc.), library location, language, and/or date. When search results are displayed, you will notice that web links are imbedded into those catalog records for materials available electronically, such as periodical indexes or full text journals. These electronic resources may be either local products or significant internet sites like the catalog of the British Library or the CANTUS database of Gregorian Chant. These resources are available directly from MadCat with a single mouse click. Similarly, direct links are available within the catalog record for subject headings, author entries, call numbers, and other access points, making it easy to expand any search.
A handy online guide compares the Command and Web interfaces of MadCat. What the guide does not tell you, however, is that many of the shortcuts frequently used in the Command version to locate music materials can also be used in the Web version. Examples of successful searches using Command language shortcuts in either the Simple or the Advanced search window include:
In other words, the limit commands we have used in the past work equally well and efficiently in the Web version. While one can use the designated boxes in the Advanced search to impose limits, you have the option of entering the limits directly into a search window as well.
As always, Music Library staff are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have about the Web version of MadCat or assist you with searching.