Book Vendor Records in the OCLC Database

Abstract

This case study is based on a 1998 sample of recently acquired Spanish-language firm-ordered materials, all of which had vendor records in the OCLC database. Vendor records were compared to final fully cataloged records to study differences in the basic bibliographic description fields (1xx, 245, 300, 4xx, 5xx). Identified were the types of errors found in the records and the duplication rate with records already in the database (full LC and member records, partial member records, and other vendors). Both areas are problematic for cataloging units. Secondary research objectives included tracking titles for usable copy cataloging and analyzing the cost impact for typical cataloging workflow. The researchers conclude that the records, though sometimes problematic, are useful. Suggestions are given for areas of improvement.