On Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:54:36 -0400, Jonathan Rochkind <rochkind_at_JHU.EDU> wrote:
>So, I actually _am_ kind of scared of OCLC developing a monopoly on
>library discovery, which I believe they are trying to do. Why am I
>scared of this? Because I worry that the OCLC interface _won't_
>actually give my users what they need, but I'll have no other options.
Another point to keep in mind is that if libraries go with WorldCat Local
(i.e. to use WorldCat as their local OPAC, with special mechanisms to
display circulation information), WorldCat works on the *master record
concept* and the local edits, which would normally remain in your own local
OPAC, will entirely disappear, that is, unless you happen to own the master
record. WorldCat is not RLIN, which retained each library's record in
"clusters."
So, in that case the "next generation catalog 4 libraries" would quite
literally be WorldCat Local. Many libraries will find such an option very
attractive, especially in this tight economic climate.
Jim Weinheimer
Received on Wed Jul 15 2009 - 04:49:28 EDT