Four Online Database Vendors: An Evaluation and Cost Analysis of Their Cataloging Support Services

Abstract

This study identifies, estimates, and compares the cost of copy and original cataloging of print and non-print materials with four major online database vendors--the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), the Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), the Western Library Network (WLN), and the University of Toronto Library Automation Systems (UTLAS International)--pertaining to their support products and services. In order to assess potential library costs for using the vendor services, a mix of 40 midsize libraries comparable in their size of collection, number of cataloging staff members, and annual cataloging output, were randomly selected to participate in the study. Information gathered was then analyzed in order to calculate the annual total cost and the average cost of cataloging per work hour. The methodology employed in this study can be utilized as a model for libraries to assess the cost of cataloging output and serve as a guide for the allocation of resources. The survey questionnaire is included in the appendices, as well as a list of libraries under study. (Contains 27 references.) (Author/JLB)