From your 1998-99 OCLC Users' Council Delegates:
Arlene Luster Marcia Talley
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ph: 808-449-2209 ph: 410-293-6905
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nita Dean +1-614-761-5002
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OCLC CONVERTING 2 MILLION RECORDS FOR YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
DUBLIN, Ohio, June 11, 1999--The OCLC RetroCon service is converting
approximately 2 million catalog records into machine-readable form for the
Sterling Memorial Library, the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical
Library and 10 other Yale University libraries. The conversion will be
accomplished over the next three years.
Yale has been creating machine-readable catalog records for currently
received library materials since the mid-1970s. In 1989, approximately
900,000 of those records became the foundation of its online bibliographic
information system. Since then, Yale has relied on a series of
retrospective conversion initiatives to increase the number of older catalog
records available in machine-readable form. In contrast to past efforts,
the current project is comprehensive in scope, involving a variety of
materials from several collections.
"The Yale Library regards the creation of a complete, reliable and robust
online catalog as the single most important way we can improve services to
readers," said Scott Bennett, university librarian, Yale University.
"Students and faculty alike are eager to see our catalog conversion
completed. Our ability to serve readers beyond New Haven will be greatly
enhanced at the same time. Yale celebrates its tercentenary in 2001, and
having our online catalog nearly complete in that year will make the
celebration all the more meaningful."
In addition to creating and updating records in WorldCat (the OCLC Online
Union Catalog), OCLC RetroCon staff are working directly in Yale's online
bibliographic information system, an innovation resulting in more timely
availability of converted records for Yale staff and readers.
"We are honored with the responsibility and trust Yale has shown in
selecting the OCLC conversion team for this exciting project," said Gary
Houk, vice president, OCLC Services. "This project will enrich WorldCat,
thus providing access to Yale's important collection for libraries around
the world."
Known for its rich collections and architecturally distinguished buildings,
the Yale University Library is among the finest research institutions in the
world. A full spectrum of library resources, from rare books and
manuscripts to a rapidly expanding network of electronic resources, is one
of Yale's distinctive strengths. The library is currently engaged in the
first comprehensive renovation of the Sterling Memorial Library, which was
completed in 1931 and remains one of the most noteworthy buildings on
campus.
Since 1976, the OCLC RetroCon service has converted over 60 million titles
for nearly 1,000 libraries in 25 countries throughout the world. Based in
Dublin, Ohio, OCLC RetroCon has recently expanded to include offices in
Washington Court House, Ohio, and Lacey, Washington, to accommodate the
continued interest in the high quality, customized service. Currently, OCLC
RetroCon is also converting collections for Aristotle University, Greece;
Columbia University, New York; Cornell University, New York; Indiana
University; National Library of Ireland; National Library of Wales; New York
Public Library; Princeton University, New Jersey; University of Chicago;
University College, Dublin, Ireland; and Vancouver School of Theology,
Canada.
Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a
nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization
whose computer network and services link more than 34,000 libraries in 67
countries and territories. OCLC is dedicated to the public purposes of
furthering access to the world's information and reducing information costs.
In the United States, more information is available (via telephone:
+1-614-764-6000 or 1-800-848-5878; fax: +1-614-764-6096; or e-mail:
[log in to unmask]). In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, contact the OCLC
Europe office, located in Birmingham, United Kingdom (phone: +44 121 456
4656; fax: +44 121 456 4680; or e-mail: [log in to unmask]). In Asia and the
Pacific region, contact the OCLC Asia Pacific office in Dublin, Ohio (phone:
+1-614-764-6189; fax: +1-614-764-4331; or e-mail:
[log in to unmask]). In Canada, contact the OCLC Canada office
in Montreal, Quebec (phone: +1-450-658-6583 or 1-888-658-6583; fax:
+1-450-658-6231; or e-mail: [log in to unmask]). In Latin America and the
Caribbean, contact the OCLC Latin America and the Caribbean office in
Dublin, Ohio (phone: +1-614-761-5196; fax: +1-614-718-1026; or e-mail:
[log in to unmask]).
More information about OCLC, its affiliated U.S. regional networks,
international divisions and distributors is available on the OCLC Web site
<http://www.oclc.org/>. (GP)
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