An alternative to batchloading for selective users is OCLC's
CatExpress service. Subscribers to CatExpress are able to download
MARC records from WorldCat into their local catalogs and can also
add or delete holdings to records in OCLC. Libraries in shared systems
may need to continue participating in batchloading, but for a
reduced number of titles. CatExpress does not allow the input of
original records into WorldCat. TBLC can create and add original
records to WorldCat, which the library can then retrieve for their
catalog and add their holdings in WorldCat.
Using CatExpress gives libraries access to the approximately
60,000,000 records in OCLC's WorldCat database. Records are
downloaded in MARC format. Libraries can maintain holdings as
they add and delete items, rather than only doing it once a year in
the annual batchloading process.
CatExpress subscribers select the number of titles they expect to add
using the service in a year, and pay a per record fee plus a SOLINET
maintenance fee. This fee is charged at the beginning of the
subscription period. TBLC has two subscription periods available,
February - January and November - October. At the end of the
subscription period, the library may renew at the same title level,
choose a different number of titles for the next year, or choose not to
renew.
Page Content Updated 04/15/2008
Tampa Bay Library Consortium, Inc. | Contact | LSTA | Site Map