Container parameters are one of the ways that the structure and content of OPAC pages is defined.

Create a New Format

A Format in this context is a set of tabs and containers that may be called (by appending a URL) to add their content to any page in the OPAC.

To create a new Format:

1. Select the appropriate View (usually WPAC_WP for Spydus 10.2-10.9, and OPAC_WP for Spydus 11 or higher).
2. Click the New Format button in the action bar.
3. Choose a unique Format name. Click OK.
   • Any created Formats will be prepended with 'UD_' for User Defined.
4. Populate the Format with tabs and containers.

To call a custom Format on an OPAC page, use the following template:

• https://libraryname.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/PAGENAME?HOMEPRMS=FORMATNAME, where;
  • PAGENAME is the name of the OPAC page e.g. HOME, EVENTS, HELP
  • FORMATNAME is the name of the custom Format e.g. UD_CUSTOM

If adding a custom Format to a page created using the Page Generator, note that the URL is structured slightly differently to default OPAC pages:

• https://libraryname.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRNGEN/WPAC/PAGENAME?HOMEPRMS=FORMATNAME

Edit the container parameters

To edit the container parameters:

1. Do one of the following.
   • From the Module Menu select Maintenance, OPAC & Enquiry and then Container Parameters.
   • From the Module Menu select Maintenance, OPAC & Enquiry, Global and then Container Parameters.
2. Select the Language, View and Format you want.
3. Make your changes.       
   • Select a tab to change its properties.
   • Select a container within a tab to change its properties.
   • Click and drag a tab to move it before or after another tab.
   • Click and drag a container to move it to another tab.
   • To include a container on a tab, click and drag it from the Unassigned containers list to the tab you want.
   • If you don't want a particular container on a tab, click and drag it to the Unassigned containers list or clear the Enabled option.
   • Click New Tab to create a new tab.
   • Select a tab and then click New Container to create a new container.
4. Click Save or Save & Close.

Copy container parameters

To copy a container from one tab to another:

1. Select the container you want.
2. Click Copy.
3. Select the tab you want to include the container on, e.g. you might want to select another Language and/or another Parameter.
4. Click Paste.

Delete a tab or container 

To delete a tab or container:

1. Select the tab or container and then click Delete.
2. Click Yes at the confirmation prompt.