The Ohio State University

At the Collection Managers’ Forum on August 16, 2000, we had a discussion about the cataloging of web sites in OSCAR and the results of our experiment with OCLC’s CORC software. Eighteen months later, the issue has come up again, most recently in the context of the faculty’s use of WebCT and other web based products to deliver instruction to students. It certainly seems reasonable to open the discussion again.

Background/Context from 2000

In August 2000, the Libraries (including Law, Health Sciences and Regionals) completed an experimental project to catalog web sites for addition to the online catalog using an OCLC cataloging tool known as CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Catalog). This experiment with having collection managers entering brief preliminary records for web site cataloging was a success. We currently recommend continued use of this tool by SER cataloging staff as it shows the most promise for cooperative cataloging of Internet resources through OCLC.

In early 2000, Public Services hosted a forum in which we discussed the issue of whether such sites should be added to OSCAR, should appear on individual web pages, or both. As the CORC report states, how will we "present web resources to the public? Will intellectual access to web resources be provided through a digital registry of web sites, through the catalog (OSCAR) or through some combination of both?" In Joe Branin’s 100 days presentation in spring, 2000, he identified a series of plans and priorities for 2000/2002. One priority was to increase organization (bibliographic) control over library collections and relevant Internet-based resources."

Recent Developments

In order to support collection managers’ requests to have selected web sites included both in OSCAR and on the Libraries’ list of databases, SER has drafted a new form: WWW Resources Processing Form. This form is a simplified and revised version of the Electronic Products Checklist (EPC) and is available at: http://library.osu.edu/about/departments/serials-electronic-resources-and-rights-management/add-a-free-electronic-resource-form.

Collection Managers may use this form, either online or hard copy, to request cataloging for any web site they deem valuable to the Libraries’ users. This form is intended to describe only those web sites freely accessible to the public; any other electronic resource must be requested via the EPC (Online or Printable).

By completing the WWW Resources Processing Form online, SER automatically will receive an email with the information you provided. If you choose to print out the form and complete in hard copy, you may mail it to Trisha Davis or Rocki Strader for processing. Upon receipt, a brief OSCAR record will be built providing immediate access via the online catalog. The name and URL of the site will be forwarded to IT for addition to the listing of databases, if appropriate. Finally, SER staff will complete the cataloging, building records via CORC as needed.

The CAC policy, "Selection and Cataloging of Free Internet Resources on OSCAR" can be found at: intresrc.htm

This policy is in process of being revised to reflect use of the new form; it will be submitted to CAC next week for approval.

Today’s Questions for Discussion:

• What volume do collection managers anticipate adding in the next year?

• How should web resources be prioritized in terms of processing?

• How has use of the web and WebCT changed our thinking about what we should be doing?

Prepared by Trisha L. Davis for CM Forum, 5/22/02.