MCLS Communique

WorldCat Selection service helps libraries streamline workflows

December 14th, 2006 Aaron Smith

New service also provides delivery of WorldCat records and options to upgrade

DUBLIN, Ohio, December 14, 2006 – OCLC has released the new WorldCat Selection service to help libraries save time and money, streamlining selection and ordering by moving these processes to the network level for new library materials and delivery of the corresponding WorldCat records.

OCLC has partnered with Cornell University Library to implement the WorldCat Selection service based on software known as the Integrated Tool for Selection and Ordering at Cornell University Library (ITSO CUL). The new service allows selectors to view records from multiple material vendors in one central comprehensive system, instead of using systems from each material vendor. Libraries are also able to get WorldCat records for newly purchased materials into their integrated library system early in the technical services process.

“ITSO CUL software has enabled Cornell’s acquisitions operation to increase productivity and reduce costs associated with selection and ordering,” said Scott Wicks, Director, Library Technical Services, Cornell University Library. Cornell estimates that the software tool accounts for 40 percent of its firm orders and is saving approximately $100,000 per year in staff costs.

The WorldCat Selection service automates the middle part of the acquisition workflow – the selection process. Librarians still “select” materials, but the additional step to send items via paper slips or selecting items in multiple vendor systems is eliminated with WorldCat Selection. Acquisitions staff automatically load WorldCat MARC records into the integrated library system, eliminating the need to re-key data or import data from multiple sources.

As an option, libraries with an OCLC cataloging subscription can receive upgraded WorldCat records at no additional charge through the OCLC Bibliographic Record Notification service or through any other OCLC cataloging partner.

“This collaboration between Cornell, OCLC and materials vendors has the potential to help institutions further streamline their technical services processes and reduce costs,” said David Whitehair, OCLC WorldCat Selection Product Manager. “Ultimately, the WorldCat Selection service will benefit all library users who depend on new materials to advance their work and enhance their library experience.”

More information on the WorldCat Selection service can be found here.

About Cornell University Library
Cornell University Library (CUL) is a leader in digital library, systems, and software development and has a strong history of partnering with other institutions to leverage its expertise. With its 20 university libraries, CUL has holdings approaching 8 million volumes nd 7 million microforms, and subscribes to nearly 65,000 journals and serial publications.

For more information, click here.

Entry Filed under: Collections, Technical Services