OCLC's Database Conversion: A User's Perspective

Abstract

This article describes the experience of a large academic library with headings in the OCLC database that have been converted to AACR2 form. It also considers the use of LC authority records in the database. Specific problems are discussed, including some resulting from LC practices. Nevertheless, the presence of the authority records, and especially the conversionof about 40 percent of the headings in the bibliographic file, has been of great benefit to the library, significantly speeding up the cataloging operation. An appendix contains guidelines for the cataloging staff of theUniversity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in the interpretation and use of LC authority records and converted headings.