Record evaluation procedures for OCLC Enhance participants

Response to BIBCO OpCo's request for OCLC to re-examine the requirement for follow-up evaluation of records after acceptance into OCLC's Enhance program:

The Enhance evaluation process is intended to treat institutions of any size equally, whether the cataloging department is a one-person operation or a staff of dozens. Applications for Enhance in each bibliographic format are treated independently because the issues and challenges of each format differ, just as the staff that does the cataloging may differ.

Review of the initial 10-15 original records that constitute the Enhance application proper and the post-acceptance follow-up review of editing done to existing records created by other institutions concentrate on related but different functions. Looking at original records prior to granting the enhance status for a format gives a sense of the overall quality of cataloging. Looking at an institution's treatment (enhancement) of existing records after enhance status is granted gives a sense of its respect for the work of others in the cooperative environment of WorldCat, the OCLC Online Union Catalog.

Different issues and problems arise in the different evaluations. If all is satisfactory only a single batch of 10-15 records is reviewed. If any quality problems arise, then additional batches are reviewed until those problems are resolved. In light of BIBCO's interest in providing quality cataloging that everyone can accept, it is hoped that BIBCO libraries will view this review process as helpful and constructive and will welcome the feedback. This feedback is an opportunity for the cataloging unit to receive outside evaluation of their work at no charge to the institution.

OCLC intends to continue to follow the current process as stated. Experience has taught that this review is a necessary part of the enhance application process, and that it results in better quality records in WorldCat for everyone's benefit.

For more information on the Guidelines for OCLC National Level Enhance contact:

Jay Weitz

Consulting Database Specialist

Library Resources Division

phone: 614.764.6156

fax: 614.718.7195

e-mail: jay_weitz@oclc.org