Title
Utilizing Z39.50 to Obtain Bibliographic Copy: a Cost-Containment Study
Publisher
Association for Library Collections & Technical Services
Abstract
This paper looks at one approach to controlling costs when seeking cataloging copy. A small task group in the University of Minnesota Libraries Technical Services Department conducted a study to devise the most cost-effective strategy for searching for and importing bibliographic copy, compiling costs and benefits of importing records from the OCLC Online Computer Library Center Inc. database, the Research Libraries Group Union Catalog, and the Library of Congress catalog. Results of the study indicated that although the LC database is smaller than the other two utilities, a significant enough portion of needed records were available from LC to more than offset the cost of re-searching in the other databases for records not found. In addition, due to differences in pricing structure, searching RLIN second was found to be more cost effective than going next to OCLC, even though a slightly larger proportion of items were found in OCLC than RLIN. This study may prove useful either as a methodology or in terms of its findings for other libraries wishing to compare sources of cataloging copy.
Previously Published Citation
DeZelar-Tiedman, Christine, Cecilia Genereux and Stephen Hearn. "Utilizing Z39.50 to Obtain Bibliographic Copy: a Cost-Containment Study." Library Resources & Technical Services 50:2 (2006): 120-128.
Suggested Citation
DeZelar-Tiedman, Christine; Genereux, Cecilia; Hearn, Stephen.
(2006).
Utilizing Z39.50 to Obtain Bibliographic Copy: a Cost-Containment Study.
Association for Library Collections & Technical Services.
Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,
https://hdl.handle.net/11299/44313.