Expansion of Copy Cataloging

In June 1997, the Cataloging Section began using OCLC member records in copy cataloging of monographs and serials. This practice represents an expansion of copy cataloging, particularly for monographs, where NLM previously relied solely on copy available from the Library of Congress and the U.S. Government Printing Office. This expansion was made possible by the implementation of new NLM designed software which uses the OCLC Z39.50 client/server interface under an agreement with OCLC, Inc.

Users have been able to see bibliographic records for which NLM has provided copy cataloging based on OCLC member copy in its regular USMARC record distribution since July 3, 1997. In conformance with USMARC record content designation, any such records distributed to NLM licensees may be easily recognized by the coding of the USMARC field 040 (Cataloging Source).