Content area

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)

Details

1007399
Title
Four Online Database Vendors: An Evaluation and Cost Analysis of Their Cataloging Support Services
Pages
43
Number of pages
43
Publication date
December 1990
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Summary language
English
Language of publication
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Subfile
ERIC, Resources in Education (RIE)
Accession number
ED367360
ProQuest document ID
62756296
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/four-online-database-vendors-evaluation-cost/docview/62756296/se-2?accountid=208611
Last updated
2024-04-10
Database
Education Research Index