It has been a couple of years since I posted statistics from WorldCat, so here is a new spreadsheet based on an October 1, 2009 snapshot (see the earlier post for an explanation of the table). WorldCat has changed dramatically...
* Alternative to OCLC cataloging already in some libraries
* Fewer records, emphasis on quality
* Copy cataloging record search and notification included
* Google has access to WorldCat metadata
* Google says bad metadata comes from external providers
* No restrictions on which WorldCat metadata fields can be used
"The OLE and Ex Libris URM projects continue to sustain the vendor and content neutrality that has been a hallmark of traditional library software, updated to use newer technology. It will be fascinating to see what values libraries choose to prioritize. Will it be perceived low cost and convenience or will it be content and vendor neutrality, i.e. the ability to negotiate low prices coupled with the traditional need to protect privileged data that will continue to weigh heavily into their future decisions? It's an important decision."
ur use of the term within OCLC describes both a technical architecture and the impact the services have within the community they serve. The following is a brief outline focused on the technology aspects. Over the next several weeks I will provide a detailed post on each of these topics.
OCLC is beginning a major new initiative to expose the data contributed to WorldCat by member libraries in useful new ways
By Don Hamparian and Roy Tennant