FROM THE EDITOR
Jain Fletcher
Much has happened in the "cataloging world" since the last OLAC Newsletter issue. There have been two momentous announcements in the last few months, both of which gave a glimpse into the future of cataloging--one for its prospects and the other for its challenges. The first was the announcement (included in this issue) that RLG and OCLC services will be combined. It is invigorating to consider the opportunities that the amalgamation of RLG’s and OCLC’s services will bring to catalogers. The other was the stunning announcement from the Library of Congress that told of the decision to change the way series authority work is done "in-house". Of course, most institutions can change their "in-house" operations without much effect on other institutions (except for, perhaps, the overall quality of their output with respect to cooperative use). On the other hand, the Library of Congress has been a central figure and a founder of cooperative ventures, having instituted services in the early 20th century that put it at the vanguard of the cooperative ideal. Its "series announcement" (the link to it is provided in this issue) may be the first harbinger of a 21st century change at LC to move away from providing a full array of cooperative services, with respect to the description and access of bibliographic materials.
Subsequent discussion over various listservs--especially those related to the latter announcement--show that catalogers are intelligent, thoughtful, articulate, ready for challenges and full of ideas. It has been stimulating to read all the commentary. Many good ideas have emerged from it, one of them being that perhaps there should be a shift in our thinking away from considering LC as the central point of cooperative ventures and towards the realization that the logical place is in cooperative systems. Indeed, OCLC has acted responsively and with gratifying concern throughout this period. With the changes coming to OCLC and RLG, perhaps the combined company is well-positioned to emerge as the central point of cooperative services.
The most important thing OLAC members can do--in representing the most expert catalogers "out there"--is to stay abreast of developments, be actively involved and know how to apply standards to address user needs in meaningful ways. As usual, this issue provides developments in its "News & Announcements", "OCLC News" and our liaison report. As to applying standards to address user needs? Why, that is exactly what Jay Weitz’s column is about!! And OLAC’s bi-annual Conference is one of the best ways to stay involved. We all hope to see you there in October!
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Last updated: June 16, 2006
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