RRLC Member Library Cataloging Service

RRLC is offering a new cataloging service designed for smaller libraries that need MARC cataloging for their library materials. Through cooperation with the Capital District Library Council (CDLC), RRLC’s counterpart in the Albany area, CDLC has agreed to do cataloging for RRLC’s smaller sized libraries and upload these records into OCLC’s WorldCat. [In general, this means libraries that catalog fewer than 100 new titles a year.]

WorldCat contains all bibliographic records (with holdings information) cataloged by OCLC member libraries. Smaller sized RRLC member libraries that do not catalog directly with OCLC would benefit from this project. These libraries would also be able to get MARC record output for their own local system if they wished.

This is how the project works:

• An account is set up for the RRLC member library. 
• The library will send information of new titles/current cataloging to RRLC. Photocopies of title pages or catalog cards are acceptable.
• RRLC will forward the record information to CDLC for cataloging on OCLC. 
• CDLC will use the RRLC library’s OCLC symbol and return a record of items cataloged.
• The project handles “copy cataloging” only, i.e. cataloging for titles already in OCLC. Original cataloging is not covered under this project.
• RRLC will pay for the costs involved for up to 100 titles per year for RRLC full, associate, or affiliate members.

This project will allow RRLC to assist smaller member libraries in the process of adding their holdings to WorldCat. WorldCat FirstSearch and WorldCat.org can be searched as a RRLC regional catalog, searching by Rochester area locations.

This is a pilot project which will continue through June, 2009 and be reevaluated at that time.

If you are interested in learning more about this project please contact Barbara Ciambor, RRLC Outreach Librarian at bciambor@rrlc.org or (585)223-7570.