A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — J a n u a r y 2 0 0 0

BCR/OCLC Membership Guide Available

By Ann Morrow Schwab

Are you thinking about your library becoming a BCR/OCLC member, but need more information? Visit our new BCR/OCLC Membership Guide at www.bcr.org/~bss/intro/index.html.

Developed by Regan Harper, BCR senior member services librarian, the BCR/OCLC Membership Guide provides prospective members with an overview of OCLC services available through BCR. You'll find information about reference services such as the OCLC FirstSearch service, as well as options for cataloging, resource sharing and document delivery.

In addition to the information mentioned above, the BCR/OCLC Membership Guide also includes a section entitled "Steps to Becoming a BCR/OCLC Member for Cataloging and Resource Sharing." You may reach this section directly at www.bcr.org/~bss/intro/steps.htm. This section breaks down the membership process into five easy-to-understand steps:

Step One: Price Quote Request
Use BCR's online cost-estimate worksheet to help predict your library's initial and annual costs for OCLC services. Completing the worksheet in no way obligates you to continue the membership process.
Step Two: Contracts
Once you are ready to proceed with setting up your BCR/OCLC membership, BCR will issue a contract for the services your library wants.
Step Three: Setup and Profiling
After the contract has been signed, one of BCR's experienced member services librarians, especially assigned to your library, will work with you to get your OCLC profile set up and running. Use BCR's new installation workform at www.bcr.org/~bss/ intro/new-installation.htm to help you prepare for the profiling and setup procedure.
Step Four: Training
BCR ensures that your staff members receive quality training to use OCLC successfully. An experienced BCR member services librarian is assigned to help your staff with training and technical support.
Step Five: Real Life
Once training is completed, you and your staff should be able to make steady progress incorporating OCLC into your work flow. BCR staff members are always available for support and advice. Free OCLC Update sessions are organized throughout the BCR region every year.
Contact BCR's Rosario Garza (rgarza@bcr.org) if you have questions about the membership process or particular OCLC products and services.

BCR Publications | Table of Contents

Comments to: shoffhin@bcr.org
February 27, 2008
Copyright © 2000 BCR