Search results

Considers the function of the OLUC (Online Union Catalog System) system as a catalogue. Argues that for now it is not, but that it is developing into one. Discusses the growth of the OLUC and what that growth means regarding its use as a cataloguing tool in reference libraries, Outlines the objectives of catalogues and the ways that OLUC will eventually fulfill them.

Discusses ways that the Cataloguing Department at the University of Oregon managed to eliminate a cataloguing backlog. Discusses the change in routine for acquisitions and cataloguing staffs through the use of the SOurce DLC qualifier system brought in with PASSPORT software. Shows the appearance of virtual employees with the introduction of the system.

Examines access by subject and the OLUC in the context of co‐operative cataloguing. Demonstrates the creation of subject authority records in a local system for headings that do not necessarily exist in the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).

Reviews a project undertakn at the University of Oregon involving exporting uniform title authority records to disk. Shows that a backlog, be it of books, maps, or authority records, need not always be a negative and can in fact provide further opportunities for learning. Suggests a means of retrieving authority records, stockpiled as a result of backlogging, into a local system in a timely fashion.

The current resurgence of cooperative cataloging initiatives requires that the Online Union Catalog (OLUC) search keys evolve to allow more precise searching. OCLC has made great strides recently in ways to search the OLUC (the scan title search being a tremendous improvement). Two recent events, combined with the cooperative cataloging activities, prompt this call for accelerated change in OLUC search mechanisms. Phrase searching, until now not available (the scan search is only partially there), must be brought into existence soon to support and promote the renewed emphasis on cooperative efforts. In doing so, we will all benefit. OCLC will get a more dynamic, cleaner database to market and, increasingly, to repackage and sell. Catalog departments worldwide will have a better source database and have an easier time making greater contributions in cooperative programs. As for the derived search keys, they don′t really need to die – withering from disuse would be fine.

Outlines a workflow change made in processing the list of headings used for the first time in a library′s catalog. The change utilizes the Internet connectivity features of Passport software. Benefits of the new workflow are a significant increase in headings reviewed, while secondary benefits noted are decreases in the use of staff time, wear on machinery and consumption of printer resources.

Some recent articles in this journal have dealt with various ways to gain access to OCLC services. Modes of access have involved different software/hardware solutions to gain access via a Macintosh, a LAN, and a TCP/IP network (vol. 9, no. 4). In my column for this issue I′ll continue that theme. Network access has been a goal at the University of Oregon as well. So we were pleased to be a test site recently for PRISM access via the Internet.

As we move into 1994, it seems opportune to reflect on the OLUC and what it might become in the next few years. We are at the beginning of an interesting era for cataloging because of two factors: technology and finances. That is, technology is expanding while finanaces are dwindling. We might be at the beginning of a cycle of decisions leading us to utilize a superior technology that will give patrons access to a mediocre bank of information. This is similar to having wonderful plumbing in a building but an inadequate water supply. There would be beautiful fixtures throughout that building, stupendous service on those fixtures, fountains everywhere, innovative nozzles and spigots and basins, but out of each faucet would come the exact same thing: tepid water – a product that almost never meets anyone′s needs. Is that really service? More to the point, is that what we want to deliver: tepid water for everyone?

The current library outsourcing debate began in 1993 when Wright State University completely outsourced its cataloging operation. It reached a new high in 1995 when the Hawaii State Public Library System decided to outsource its selection, cataloging, and processing functions to Baker & Taylor, its online journals to Information Access Company, and its automation to Ameritech. A steady stream of articles and a handful of books, covering theoretical and ethical issues, as well as the practical aspects of outsourcing, have appeared in the last decade. This bibliography addresses the broad issues of outsourcing, especially in academic libraries. Outsourcing of public, special, and federal libraries is covered only tangentially. The list is divided into four sections: books on outsourcing in libraries; general articles on the history, theory, and impact of outsourcing on libraries and librarianship; opinion pieces; and articles that relate to individual libraries’ experiences with outsourcing.