By Mike Wright
When OCLC formally unveils the CORC service July 1, a new era for OCLC members
will begin.
CORC (Cooperative Online Resource Cataloging) is a big step forward in the creation of
records for electronic resource description. Flexibility, ease of use and powerful new
features are hallmarks of the CORC service. Libraries can choose to have CORC
automatically generate MARC tags or can even direct CORC to produce Dublin Core
meta- data. CORC can be set to suggest subject terms as well as Dewey Decimal
Classification (DDC) numbers. In addition, CORC allows users to access WebDewey, a
powerful and easy-to-use version of DDC. CORC records can export to a library's
online catalog, to a Web page or to another database.
These advanced features, in addition to enhancing electronic resource description, can
simplify workflow dramatically. Libraries wishing to create authority control records
can submit them via CORC where they will be forwarded directly to the Name Authority
Cooperative Project (NACO) for verification and addition to the Library of Congress
(LC) name authority file.
While the CORC service has been billed as a tool for cataloging and organizing Internet
resources, libraries will eventually be able to catalog all their materials in CORC, using its easy,
point-and-click Web format. OCLC intends to have this feature fully functional by July
1, 2001.
At present, OCLC requests that only electronic resources be cataloged in CORC.
Beginning July, CORC's database will be fully inter- operational with WorldCat, the
OCLC Online Union Catalog. Records created via CORC will automatically appear in
WorldCat, which will be the master database.
BCR members should bear in mind that they can still gain access to CORC without
charge through June 30. OCLC provides free training via a Web teleconference, and full,
current CORC documentation is available from the CORC home page at www.oclc.org/
oclc/corc. OCLC will begin charging for CORC services on July 1. At that time all
OCLC users with a valid full cataloging authorization will be able to log on to CORC
there is no special sign up and no forms to fill out.
Libraries interested in learning more about the possibilities of CORC should watch for
BCR's "OCLC CORC Service Overview," which will be presented across the BCR region.
Direct more immediate questions about CORC to BCR's Mike Wright (mwright@bcr.org)
or Regan Harper (rharper@bcr.org).
