Singapore Libraries move closer to OCLC

Citation

Hider, P. (2003), "Singapore Libraries move closer to OCLC", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 20 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/lhtn.2003.23920caf.002

Singapore Libraries move closer to OCLC

Philip Hider

Several of the larger libraries which form part of the Singapore national cataloguing cooperative have switched to cataloguing using OCLC software, including those of the National Institute of Education, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic, with Nanyang Polytechnic to follow shortly.

The 56 member libraries of Singapore Integrated Library Automation Services (SILAS), Singapore's cataloguing network, were given the option in 2002 to use OCLC's cataloguing software instead of the local CARL system. Although libraries can download bibliographic records in OCLC's WorldCat database through the Z39.50 protocol implemented on CARL's cataloguing client, some have now opted to perform their cataloguing using OCLC Connexion or CatME instead.

Searching the WorldCat database is not as "blunt" via the OCLC software (see Figure 1) as it can be through Z39.50, with more search types and functionality available. Also, access to the online Library of Congress Authority Files is offered in the same interface. Most of the record copy available in the local SILAS database is likewise available in WorldCat. The plan is for SILAS to load locally created records on to WorldCat on behalf of those member libraries still entering their cataloguing directly into the local database. Conversely, SILAS will copy into the local database the holdings and original records of those libraries now using the Connexion and CatME software.

Singapore libraries continue to employ a mixture of library systems – from Australia, the USA, the UK and other countries. Most of the major libraries have Z39.50 servers. Temasek Polytechnic's new ALEPH system allows for real-time cataloguing from OCLC; the other OCLC members in Singapore import their records by file.

Web sites for key libraries switching to OCLC Cataloguing can be found at the URLs below:

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  Nanyang Polytechnic (www.nyp.edu.sg/lb)

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  National Institute of Education (http://library.nie.edu.sg/).

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  Ngee Ann Polytechnic (www.np.edu.sg/library).

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  Temasek Polytechnic (www.tp.edu.sg/library).

SILAS subscribes to OCLC on behalf of all its member libraries. At the same time, it continues to support the local system, VISTA, and in particular the VISTA cataloguing client, called ITS. The majority of SILAS libraries, including the National Library Board, continue to use ITS-VISTA, and there are no plans to remove the platform while some users remain comfortable with it.

Figure 1 OCLC Connexion search interface

There are a couple of additional key reasons why SILAS has moved closer to OCLC. First, SILAS has joined the Program for Cooperative Cataloguing coordinated by the Library of Congress. In order to enter name authorities into the LC (National) Authority File under this programme, libraries need normally to be members of either OCLC or RLIN. Second, SILAS wishes to increase its contribution to and involvement with the international cataloguing effort, and views OCLC as a lead-player in the bibliographic field.

While many long-time OCLC users in North America and elsewhere remain cautious about switching from the somewhat antiquated Passport software to the new Web-based software, called Connexion (formerly "CORC"), cataloguers in SILAS libraries have already switched from WLN to VISTA in the past few years and are not "handicapped" by an attachment to a particular interface which has changed little over the past two decades.

Those SILAS libraries which have started using OCLC Connexion (see Figure 2) give mixed reports. Most cataloguers find it fairly easy to use, although some of the functionality is still a little clumsy. Certainly, progress has been made, with upgrades occurring on a monthly basis. With the cataloguers now quite used to the interface, the main problem would appear to be response time, which depends to a great extent on a library's Internet connection. Some of the libraries are therefore looking forward to the introduction of a Windows-based version of Connexion, which OCLC promises for later this year.

Figure 2 WordCat record displayed on OCLC Connexion

The OCLC Cataloguing service needs to address a couple of important issues before it offers SILAS a comprehensive solution for its own particular situation. First, we await the development of OCLC's multi-lingual, Unicode-based system; its current CJK (Chinese-Japanese-Korean) editor is somewhat outdated. Second, Connexion is not yet very well suited to "group cataloguing," whereby some member libraries' records are reviewed by a central unit, as in the SILAS case. OCLC is aware of the desire for "group cataloguing" features, such as a shared, cross-institution Save File, and we keep our fingers crossed. As the Microsoft of the bibliographic world, OCLC has many users to please – all over the world.

Philip Hider (philip_hider@nlb.gov.sg) is Bibliographic Manager for the Singapore Integrated Library Automation Services (SILAS), Singapore.