OCLC Glossary [OCLC]

AACR2: Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Second Edition. The national/international standard for cataloging library materials. The rules are "designed for use in the construction of catalogues and other lists in general libraries of all sizes.... The rules cover the description of, and the provision of access points for, all library materials commonly collected at the present time." The rules are maintained by the Joint Steering Committee for Revision of AACR and published by the American Library Association, the Canadian Library Association, and the Library Association.
abend: Abnormal end. A batchload abends when OCLC's batchloading routines cannot read your file. Sometimes it is because a tape was physically damaged. Often it is because the tape or file is formatted incorrectly. The file cannot be processed and must be replaced.
Abridged edition: A shortened version of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system that is a logical truncation of the notational and structural hierarchy of the corresponding full edition on which it is based. The abridged edition is intended for general collections of 20,000 titles or less. See also broad classification; Full edition.
abstract: A brief summary that classifies, evaluates, or describes the important points in the content of a journal article or library resource.
academic library: A library that is an integral part of a college, university, or other institution of postsecondary education, administered to meet the information and research needs of its students, faculty, and staff.
access method: Method used to log on to a service, download records or reports, or locate additional information. For example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is used to find information on the Internet.
access point: A name, term, code or other indexed characteristic of an authority or bibliographic record that helps make the record searchable and identifiable. For example, titles, names, and subjects are access points.
access to records: Names, titles, keywords, subjects, codes, dates, and other data in bibliographic and authority records are indexed in a searchable database file such as WorldCat to make the records identifiable and retrievable.
accessions list: Items cataloged using the OCLC system. The list includes the author, title, call number and publisher of the item. Lists are typically distributed to patrons to alert them of new acquisitions.
accession number: 1) a number or code that identifies an archived library resource; 2) an inventory number assigned to each item in a library's collection. Usually sequentially assigned as the item is added. Typically in the form yyyy-nnnnn, in which the year of acquisition precedes the sequential number.
add: To load an original bibliographic record into the database after batchloading routines cannot find a match for it.
added copy card: A catalog card you order for copies of items you already hold, but for which you need additional card sets.
added entry: A secondary catalog entry (access point). Any entry other than the main entry.
address: Words, numbers, or symbols that designate a physical or virtual location. Examples: street numbers and names, countries, e-mail addresses, URLs.
ALA: American Library Association. The leading professional association for public and academic libraries and librarians in the United States.
ALA character set: American Library Association defined characters used in MARC records, including standard alphabetic characters, diacritics, special characters, 14 superscript characters, 14 subscript characters, and 3 Greek characters. These characters are valid in MARC records.
allowable duplicate records: Records for the same resource, but using different cataloging languages or rules. See also parallel records.
ANSI: American National Standards Institute. A non-profit national clearinghouse founded in 1918 to facilitate standardization by voluntary consensus in the United States in both the public and private sectors and to coordinate and administer standards of all types. ANSI membership includes over 1,400 companies, organizations, government agencies, and other institutions. The United States is represented by ANSI in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Standards for library and information science are developed by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO), a non-profit association accredited by ANSI. The Institute publishes the quarterly newsmagazine ANSI Reporter and the weekly e-newsletter What's New? See also NISO; ANSI.
any qualifier: Qualifier used to override default qualifiers. Any is also the default qualifier. If you do not qualify a search, the qualifier is any.
application: Computer program that provides an interface to allow computer users to accomplish certain tasks. Examples include word processors such as Microsoft Word and OCLC Connexion client for cataloging library materials.
approval plan: A predetermined set of criteria established by an institution and a materials vendor that defines types of material to be automatically sent to the institution by the vendor. The institution accepts the items for purchase or rejects the items and sends them back.
archive record: The bibliographic record OCLC creates and stores that contains local changes made by an institution to the master record. Archive records are a complete history of an institution's OCLC cataloging activity. There are two separate archives. One for batch transactions, Batchload Archive Records (BARS), and the other for online transactions, Cataloging Archive Records (CARS). Archiving allows an institution to recover data that was lost or corrupted locally by ordering a copy of their archive records through OCLC's Bibliographic Record Snapshot service. Archive records are not accessible by the institution through any online means. OCLC uses archive records to create offline products such as catalog cards or electronic files of records. See also BARS, Bibliographic Record Snapshot.
Note: Editing an existing local holdings record (LHR) does not create an archive record. Creating an LHR that sets a library's holdings on a record does create an archive record.
archives: The noncurrent records of an organization, regardless of format, which are maintained and preserved because of their permanent legal, fiscal, regulatory, evidential, informational, or historical value to the institution. Materials that are archived are permanently retained.
article issue number: A number or code that identifies an article by the issue of the journal in which it appears.
article type: Words or abbreviations that describe the format or medium used to present an article. For example, a review (rev) is an article type. An editorial is another article type.
article volume number: A number or code that identifies an article by the volume of the journal in which it appears.
ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standard computer character code set, consisting of alphanumeric characters, punctuation, and a few control characters (such as a carriage return). Each ASCII character consists of 7 information bits and 1 parity bit for error checking.
author: The person, persons, or corporate body responsible for the writing or compilation of a work. Usually distinguished from an editor, translator, compiler, although these may be regarded as authors.
authority control: Verifies a heading in a bibliographic record against the Library of Congress Authority File and, if a matching authority record exists, links the heading to the corresponding authority record. If the authority record is updated, the controlled (linked) heading in bibliographic records is updated automatically.
authority file: A list of the authoritative forms of the headings used in a library catalog or file of bibliographic records, maintained to ensure that headings are applied consistently as new items are added to the collection. Separate authority files are usually maintained for names, uniform titles, series titles, and subjects.; In , Arabic cataloging, Authorities, Cataloging, CJK, CatME, OCLC-MARC Records, WorldCat: See OCLC Authority File.
authority history record: Copies of all distributed Library of Congress authority file records, superseded versions of distributed records, and deleted records. Retrieve these records in Connexion client using Authorities > Show > LC Distributed Version or LC Superseded Versions or using Authorities > Search > LC Names and Subjects History.
authority record: A collection of information about one name, uniform title, or topical term heading. An authority record can contain the established form of heading, see from references, see also from references, and notes.
authorization level: Defines a range of tasks that can be performed when logged on to a service. Also called authorization mode.
authorization number: Number assigned by OCLC to authorize use of OCLC services. Usually used in conjunction with a password. See also password, default holding library code.
availability: Indicates the institutions from which a library resource can be obtained.

BARS: Batchload Archive Records. For every batchload transaction, a copy of the OCLC master record is stored for the institution in the archive. An institution may ask OCLC to retain their local data in the archive record for any Batchload project. The Batchload Archive is separate from Cataloging Archive Records. See also archive record, CARS.
batch processing in Connexion client: In Connexion client, the process of sending and completing a group of searches for bibliographic and/or authority records and/or a group of final actions in WorldCat all at once. Using client local files (files stored on the Connexion client cataloger's workstation), the cataloger enters search strings and/or marks saved records for actions and then initiates batch processing. The client automatically logs on to the system, runs the WorldCat searches and/or processes record actions, and produces reports, accessible in the client, for the results.
batch processing limits in Connexion client: None. Batch processing is limited only by the size of your hard drive. Note: Local files used for batch processing are limited to storing no more than 9,999 records. However, Connexion users can run as many local files as you want in a single batch.
Batchload Processing Summary: A summary of statistics after processing a batch of records using the OCLC batchloading service. See OCLC Batchloading services.
Batchload Project Definition: The specifications for an institution's OCLC batchload project. The Batchload Project Definition details the input format and character set, the how the records will be matched, what clean-up routines will be included in the customized set up, record output if applicable, etc. See OCLC Batchloading services.
Batchload Status Report: A report detailing the results of an initial tape or file evaluation or of problems with data after a project has begun in the OCLC batchloading service. See OCLC Batchloading services.
batchload with output: An option for an institution to elect to receive a copy of the matching OCLC MARC bibliographic record when it sets its holding symbol in WorldCat through the OCLC batchloading service.
batchloading: A process by which records to be processed are collected into batches. The records in a batch are loaded all at once. See OCLC Batchloading services.
batchloading size: The number of records batch processed at one time using the OCLC batchloading service. OCLC can process up to 90,000 records in a single batch, depending upon the type of record and the level of processing. OCLC divides larger batchload files so that no batch contains more than 90,000 records. For example, OCLC may divide a batchload file of 98,000 records into batches of 90,000 and 8,000 records.
Batch processing: See batchloading.
bibliographic database: A computer file consisting of electronic entries called records, each containing a uniform description of a specific document or bibliographic item, usually retrievable by author, title, subject heading (descriptor), or keyword(s). Some bibliographic databases are general in scope and coverage; others provide access to the literature of a specific discipline or group of disciplines. An increasing number provide the full-text of at least a portion of the sources indexed. Most bibliographic databases are proprietary, available by licensing agreement from vendors, or directly from the abstracting and indexing services that create them.
Bibliographic Formats and Standards: Guide to machine-readable cataloging records in WorldCat. This guide provides tagging conventions, input standards and guidelines for entering information into WorldCat. (Available on the OCLC Web site at https://www.oclc.org/bibformats/.)
bibliographic information: Details about an item that are sufficient to identify it for the purpose of retrieval are placed in a specific format that describes one item in a collection. Examples: author, title, publisher, publication location, edition, series title, and notes.
bibliographic record: Contains the cataloging information that describes the physical format and intellectual content of a single entity (a book, video, computer file, CD, etc.). Catalogers create records by encoding this information using tags, indicators, and subfield codes in a standard format called MARC 21 (MAchine-Readable Cataloging). Each record is divided into fields (author, title, subjects, etc.) Fields are subdivided into subfields (place of publication, publisher, etc.).
Bibliographic Record Notification report: The daily report for activities of institutions using the Bibliographic Record Notification service.
Bibliographic Record Snapshot: OCLC service used to obtain a complete or partial file of archival records of an institution's cataloging activity for installation on the institution's local system.
blank workform: A template for creating an interlibrary loan request or (in Connexion) a cataloging template for creating new records.
Book number: The part of a call number that distinguishes a specific item from other items within the same class number, also called a Cutter number. A book number is composed of letters from the author's name or letters from the title main entry and numbers. There are several systems for creating book numbers.
Books format: OCLC-MARC format used for cataloging books and book-like material. In WorldCat searches, use the Books index (label: bks) as a qualifier to limit results to records for this type of material.
books with feet: Refers to library books that are commonly lost, stolen, vandalized or misshelved. They are typically popular titles and cover a wide range of subjects and contemporary issues
Boolean operators: AND, OR, and NOT. Used to combine search terms. AND finds only records that contain both terms. OR finds records that contain either term. NOT finds records that contain the first term but not the second term. Combining search terms produces more precise and manageable search results.
Boolean logic (searches): A system of logical thought developed by English mathematician George Boole (1815-64). A Boolean search combines key concepts or search terms with the logic operators AND, OR and NOT to specify the exact information required in a database search.
Borrowing record: In WorldCat Resource Sharing, the record for which a library participates as the Borrower.
bracketed information: Bibliographic information that has been added to bibliographic or authority records by the cataloger. The information appears in brackets ([ ]) in records.
broad classification: The classification of works in broad categories by logical abridgment, even when more specific numbers are available, e.g., the use of 641.5 Cooking instead of 641.5972 Mexican cooking for a cookbook of Mexican recipes. Broad classification is the opposite of close classification. See also Abridged edition; Close classification.
browse: Scan an index for a match or the closest match to a term (word, phrase, or whole phrase) in records. The system matches the exact text string—character by character, from left to right—against the characters in the specified index. Produces a browse list that highlights the closest match and shows the number of records for each term in the list. Clicking an entry opens the record or a record list, if multiple records match.

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C

calendar days

WorldCat Resource Sharing sequential days, including weekends and holidays. See also system days.

call number

A set of letters, numerals or other symbols (in combination or alone) used by a library to identify a specific copy of a work. A call number consists of the class number and book number (or Cutter number).

CAMIO

Catalog of Art Museum Images Online. Developed by RLG, a database of artwork images.

cancel

Action to remove an institution's OCLC symbol from a record in the database. Batchloading cancels a record when a match is found and the Record Status element (Leader byte 5) contains the character "d". This is equivalent to the Delete Holdings command in the Connexion client and browser.

Capcon

Formerly, OCLC Capcon, now OCLC Eastern. OCLC service center for libraries in the Washington D.C. area. See http://www.oclc.org/eastern/.

card

See catalog card.

card label

A label listing title, author, and call number that is affixed to a card representing a library item.

card pack

A collection of cards produced in one day for one receiving catalog. The system produces one card pack for each receiving catalog.

card sorting

The sequence in which the OCLC system orders catalog cards for delivery to libraries.

case-insensitive

Describes data you can enter in uppercase, lowercase, or mixed case. You do not have to match the case exactly.

case-sensitive

Describes data you must enter exactly as it appears, matching upper- and lower-case.

catalog card

A 3" by 5" card containing bibliographic information.

Cataloging Agent mode

An authorization mode that allows the Cataloging Agent of an institution or a group to process cataloging records on a client's behalf. Agents may also process unresolved records from the group's batchloading activity. See also processing center.

Cataloging In Publication

A Library of Congress program that provides bibliographic data for new books in advance of publication. Records are created from information supplied by publishers. Records are available for distribution and loading into bibliographic databases.

Cataloging Partners

See WorldCat Cataloging Partners.

Cataloging Profile

See OCLC cataloging profile.

cataloging source

The agency that created the bibliographic record in WorldCat. Four elements of OCLC-MARC records have cataloging source information:

Srce in the bibliographic fixed field
Note: The source in Cataloging Source (Srce) may not necessarily be the same as the institution that input the record.
Source in the authority fixed field
Field 040 (Cataloging Source) in bibliographic records
Field 040 (Cataloging Source) in authority records

cataloging source qualifier

Qualifier index (label cs=) that can be used to limit WorldCat searches to records contributed by a specific library identified by its OCLC symbol (for example, cs=ocl).

Note: To limit searches to records contributed by the Library of Congress or by specific LC cooperative programs, use cooperative programs index (label dl:) with value y (dl:y).

CatExpress/Express

See OCLC CatExpress.

central concept

Main idea behind the content of the library resource.

character masking

Entering a question mark (?) or number sign (#) in a search in place of other characters to retrieve multiple words. Example: computer? retrieves records that contain computer, computerization, or computerized.

chronology

Types of dates used by publishers to identify the individual bibliographic unit of a serial, for example, date of coverage, date of publication, or date of printing.

CIP

See Cataloging In Publication.

circumflex

The character (^) entered in certain segments of numeric and derived searches in WorldCat to make searches more precise. Also known as a caret.

citations

A list that contains terms that identify whole or parts of library resources so that they may be found.

classification

A logical system for the arrangement of knowledge, including notations for identifying where in a classification a given item belongs.

classification number

The part of a call number, usually a combination of letters and numbers, used to classify library resources by subject area using a particular classification system.

classification system

Methods for cataloging a library collection—for example, the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)—that involves assigning notations to items to identify where in the classification system they belong.

classify

(1) To arrange a collection of items according to a classification system. (2) To assign a classification number to an individual work.

click-through dialogs

Wizards in CONTENTdm that help simplify the process of entering descriptive and administrative metadata in both simple and compound records.

Close classification

The classification of works to the fullest extent permitted by the notation. Close classification is the opposite of broad classification. See also broad classification; Full edition.

CODEN Designation

The Chemical Abstracts Service assigns six-character Coden Designations to serials. The first four characters are letters and have a mnemonic relationship to the serial. The fifth character is either A, B, C, or D. The sixth character is an alphabetic or numeric check character. For example, AISJB6, CADIDW. The Coden Designation is located in field 030, subfield ‡a and can be used during batchload matching.

collection

(1) Library resources grouped by a specific topic or other organization criteria; (2) the entire holdings of a library; (3) all library resources on a particular subject.

Collection Analysis

The WorldCat Collection Analysis service. An OCLC Web-based service that provides analysis and comparison of library collections based on holdings and circulation information that is provided by libraries and is contained in WorldCat.

Collection Sets

Officially called WorldCat Collection Sets. An OCLC service that provides MARC records for collections of already-cataloged microform, non-microform and electronic content.

command line search

A type of Connexion WorldCat search that allows you to type (1) any complete keyword, numeric, or derived search in a single string, including index labels, qualifiers, and Boolean operators, or (2) a browse string, including the Scan (sca) command and index label in the format sca xx:. Note: The equivalent search capability in FirstSearch/Resource Sharing is called an "expert search."

communications format

In machine-readable cataloging (MARC), the standards for representation and exchange of data in machine-readable form. In the USA, this is an implementation of an ANSI standard. MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data (formerly called USMARC) is an implementation of ANSI standard Z39.2. OCLC-MARC is an implementation of MARC 21 that conforms to the ANSI standard. Standards provide a common way of organizing machine-readable records so that they can be easily exchanged among users.

completeness

An indication of how much of a published run of a serial is held. Completeness is indicated in ranges, for example, Complete (95%-100% held), Incomplete (50%-94% held), Scattered (less than 50% held).

Computer File format

OCLC-MARC format used for cataloging the following classes of electronic resources: computer software (including programs, games, fonts), numeric data, computer-oriented multimedia, and online systems or services. In WorldCat searches, use the Computer File index (label: com) as a qualifier to limit results to records for this type of material.

conditional add

The loading of an original bibliographic record into the database after batchload routines have not found a match. The record must not contain validation errors.

conference name

All or part of the name or title of a conference. A conference name could also be included in a title, abstract, notes, or text of a library resource. Examples: names of meetings, exhibitions, expositions, festivals, athletic contests, scientific expeditions.

conference name phrase

The exact name or title of a conference that is the focus of a search. A conference name could be included in a title, abstract, notes, or text of a library resource.

Connexion

See OCLC Connexion.

Connexion client interface

See OCLC Connexion client.

Connexion browser interface

See OCLC Connexion browser.

constant data record

A partial record that contains standardized content for reuse in creating or editing a record without having to retype each time the content is reused. Constant data records are created by and shared among librarians at a given institution for cataloging and resource sharing activities.

CONTENTdm

OCLC's digital collection software suite. It allows you to digitize, store, search and mount your digital objects on the Web.

content designation

In machine-readable cataloging (MARC), the codes and conventions established to identify and characterize the data elements within a record and to support manipulation of that data. OCLC defines content designation for OCLC-MARC records in OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards, Authorities User Guide, and Union List User Guide.

content of the record

The data in the MARC records. The content is defined by standards outside the format, such as Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Library of Congress Subject Headings, ANSI/NISO Standards for Serials Holdings Statements or other rules and codes used by the organization that creates the record. See also record structure; content designation

context-sensitive Help

Topic you open using <F1> or a Help button in a dialog window to describe each feature of the dialog.

Continuing Resources format

OCLC-MARC format used for cataloging items issued over time with no predetermined conclusion. The Continuing Resources format includes serials and ongoing integrating resources. In WorldCat searches, use the Continuing Resources index (label: cnr) as a qualifier to limit results to records for this type of material.

continuation card

Additional catalog cards that contain information not included on first cards.

Contract Cataloging

OCLC service that catalogs libraries' collections as their cataloging agent. Formerly called TechPro.

control field

See variable control fields.

copy cataloging

Using and modifying an existing bibliographic record for local use. OCLC creates and stores an archive record of the modifications at OCLC.

copyright compliance

Guidelines that relate directly to WorldCat Resource Sharing: Guidelines for the Proviso of Subsection 108 (g) (2). Borrower is responsible for ensuring that the request conforms with U.S. Copyright law; request must include code ccg (conforms to Copyright Guidelines) or ccl (conforms to Copyright Law).

corporate name

The names of associations, institutions, businesses, firms, nonprofit enterprises, governments, agencies, performing groups used as entries in records.

corporate/conference name derived search

See derived search.

CSD

See OCLC Customer Services Division (CSD).

Custom Holdings

Customized groups of preferred lenders; you define the groups for sets of similar requests.

Custom Holdings Locations record

A display associated with a WorldCat record that lists institutions from which you prefer to borrow.

Cutter number

A book number based on the widely used scheme devised by Charles Ammi Cutter. In colloquial usage, synonymous with book number. See Book number.

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D

database

A grouping of electronic data for a particular purpose or for the use of a particular set of users. Each entry in the database is a record. The database provides an "interface" that has tools to enable manipulation of the data for sorting, grouping, searching, etc.

Database Enrichment

A capability that allows modifications of WorldCat master records.

date of entry

Date a new or updated bibliographic citation is included in a database.

DBID source

Database Identifier source. An identifying number or term that refers to a source journal or primary database from which a cited library resource came.

DCB

See Direct Consortial Borrowing (DCB).

DDC

See Dewey Decimal Classification.

DDR

See duplicate detection and resolution.

default

Selections predetermined by the computer or an application on the computer in the absence of specific selections made by the user.

default holding library code

The holding library code that appears automatically in bibliographic field 049 (Local Holdings) when a user displays a bibliographic record in the Connexion client or browser cataloging interface. Each authorization number/password combination has a default holding library code. See also authorization number, password.

default holdings displays

The system responds to a display holdings command with a list of all, regional, or state holdings on a record, depending upon the number of holdings the record has.

default values in workforms

Values automatically supplied in workforms (templates for creating MARC records), depending on the MARC format selected for the new record.

default WorldCat search results displays

System-determined displays of WorldCat search results as group, truncated or brief lists or as a full record. The default display type is based on the number of records the search retrieves.

deflection

A decision process that can happen multiple times within the life-cycle of a request using lending rules set up in the Policies Directory. Deflection is performed on the lender string.

delete

See cancel.

delimiter

Character (‡), followed by a single letter or number code, used to define the beginning of a subfield within a variable field in a MARC bibliographic or authority record. See also subfield.

For batchload services, the delimiter is entered as a dollar sign ($). If immediately followed by a lowercase letter or single numeral, OCLC converts the dollar sign into a delimiter. A $ followed by a numeral and period, two or more numerals, or a blank space is interpreted as a monetary value and is not converted.

derive new record

For cataloging in Connexion, using a pre-existing record to create a new record to to add to the system.

derived search

A type of WorldCat search that uses a specific number of initial characters from the words in a name and/or title. A shortcut way to enter a search. The "derived" segments of the words are separated by commas. The number and pattern of letters and commas tells the system which index to search. The four types of derived searches (with the pattern that defines it in parentheses) are: Title (3,2,2,1); Personal name (4,3,1); Corporate/Conference name (=4,3,1); Name/Title (4,4).

descriptor

(1) A term that describes the theme or topic of the content of a library resource. (2) a standardized term assigned to database records to facilitate retrieval of records in a search.

Dewey Class number

See Dewey Decimal class number.

Dewey Decimal class

See Dewey Decimal class number.

Dewey Decimal class number

A classification number that conforms to the conventions used in the Dewey Decimal Classification system. The classes used to identify library resources are: 000, General Works; 100, Philosophy & Psychology; 200, Religion; 300, Social Sciences; 400, Language; 500, Natural Sciences & Math; 600, Applied Sciences (Technology); 700, Fine Arts; 800, Literature; 900, Geography & History.

Dewey Decimal Classification

A general knowledge organization tool conceived by Melvil Dewey in 1873 and first published in 1876. At the broadest level, the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is divided into ten main classes organized by disciplines or fields of study. Together these classes cover the entire world of knowledge. See Dewey Decimal class number.

Dewey Decimal subject heading

Used in the Dewey Decimal Classification system to identify library resources by disciplines or areas of knowledge.

Dewey Services Only session

A Connexion session that provides access to WebDewey and/or Abridged WebDewey. A Dewey Services Only session: does not incur access and user support fees; does not count against simultaneous logon limits for libraries subscribing to flat fee Internet or dedicated TCP/IP access; and includes a default inactivity timeout of 120 minutes (default timeout for other Connexion sessions is 40 minutes). Authorized users can start a Dewey Services Only session from the Connexion logon screen or from within an active Connexion cataloging session.

Dewey subject heading phrase

The specific terms used to identify Dewey subject headings or subsets of those headings. Browse the Dewey subject heading phrase index for valid phrases.

diacritic

A mark that modifies the phonetic value of another character or characters. It does not occur alone but is used in conjunction with another character. In records each diacritic occupies its own position, directly following the modified character, although the display shows correctly.

dialog

In Connexion, a window that opens when a command you issue requires input before a task can be completed or when you click a button to select options and settings. Most usually, called a "window" in Connexion client and a "screen" in Connexion browser. Dialogs provide text boxes, lists, buttons and other elements for entering data, making selections, and clicking more commands to tell Connexion what to do.

Digital Archive

OCLC service that provides long-term storage of digital documents in multiple formats. Based on the OAIS (Reference Model for an Open Archival Information System) ISO standards and utilizes the METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard).

Direct Consortial Borrowing (DCB)

An arrangement allowing users of one agency to request and borrow items from another agency within a consortium. As a DCB agency, OCLC uses NCIP (NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol) to facilitate the transfer of user identification and item information between different circulation systems, allowing OCLC to manage traffic for non-local patrons and/or provide local control for items belonging to another agency.

direct delivery

An OCLC Resource Sharing option that allows a lending library to send an item directly to the requestor/patron rather than to the borrowing library.

Direct Request

An OCLC ISO-10161-based service that provides a means to send patron-generated requests automatically to WorldCat Resource Sharing. See also ISO 10160/10161.

directory

In a file of records, the series of entries that contain the tag, length and starting location of each variable field in a record.

display holdings

A command to view the list of institution symbols that hold an item. In WorldCat Resource Sharing, used to select potential lenders.

Document Supplier

Major national resource centers and other document suppliers such as the British Library Document Supply Center.

domain

All or part of an Internet name, address or element that identifies a computer and the organization that transmits or receives electronic data.

Dublin Core

An international standard that supports creation of simple, informative descriptions of electronic resources that facilitate management and discovery. The Dublin Core standard defines 15 elements for a resource description. Users can define additional elements or qualifiers for the standard elements to adapt Dublin Core to meet their needs. The standard elements provide a shared semantic framework that allows communities operating under different rules or standards to exchange metadata.

Dublin Core has as its goals the following characteristics: simple creation and maintenance, commonly understood semantics, international scope, and extensibility.

For more information visit the official DCMI site at: http://www.dublincore.org.

duplicate detection and resolution

Software that identifies and merges duplicate records in books and serials format. The software uses complex algorithms and can match some records that failed to match in regular batchload processing. For example, regular batchloading does not match the publisher strings Charles Scribner and Chas. Scribner. DDR software may find that all other criteria match, recognize the identical Scribner strings in the publisher, and determine that the records match. OCLC uses this software at its discretion, based on a given file's probable matching rate and probable duplication rate.

duplicate record

See allowable duplicate records.

EBCDIC: Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code. A code for representing alphanumeric information. EBCDIC defines a specific set of characters. OCLC does not accept files written in EBCDIC.
EBS: Electronic Batchload Service. An OCLC service that allows batchload participants to transfer files to OCLC over the Internet.
EDX: See OCLC Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) account.
Electronic Collections Online: ECO. An OCLC service that offers Web access to a collection of electronic journals, letting libraries subscribe to individual journals and provide access to them for their end users through a single Web interface.
Electronic Data Exchange: See OCLC Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) account.
electronic document supplier: Document supplier that accepts WorldCat Resource Sharing requests and delivers full-text documents through messages to your library's e-mail system.
electronic resource: See Computer File format.
ELvl: See Encoding Level (ELvl).
e-mail: Electronic mail. The exchange of electronic messages created by a user on a computer and transmitted (via an organization's network or the Internet) to another user's computer.
embedded holdings data: Holdings information added to an existing MARC 21 bibliographic record rather than being in a separate linked local holding record.
EMST: See enter-my-symbol-twice institution.
Enc lvl: See Encoding Level (Enc lvl).
Encoding Level (ELvl): The level of completeness of the bibliographic record according to MARC standards.
Encoding Level (Enc lvl): The level of completeness of the authority record. The level of specificity of the holdings statement.
Enhance: An OCLC program for libraries to add to the quality of records in WorldCat. Qualified libraries are given special logon authorizations that allow them to replace full-level, member input records in non-serial formats (Books, Maps, Scores, and so forth). National-level Enhance allows replacement of records from national libraries.
enter-my-symbol-twice institution: A potential Lender participating in resource sharing that requires more than four system days to respond to an ILL request.
enumeration: The nonchronological scheme used by publishers to identify an individual serial and to show the relationship of the individual unit of the serial to the series as a whole. For example, Volume 235 and Volume X are indicators of enumeration.
error rate: The percentage of records within a file that contain validation errors.
eSerials Holdings Service: OCLC service that sets and maintains title level holdings for electronic serials in WorldCat.
evaluation: The evaluation of bibliographic records sent for batch processing involves an extensive analysis of the data. This evaluation is necessary because a custom computer set up is created to process the records. Batch Services staff identify problems with the records as well as problems with the file structure. All of this analysis is done to obtain the highest and most accurate hit rate for a project.
Eureka: Formerly, a group of RLG databases. Most of the Eureka databases have become part of OCLC FirstSearch
export: (1) A command or action that causes a record to be converted to OCLC-MARC or Dublin Core format and output to a file on a workstation or in a local system. (2) Downloading a record from WorldCat.
export to TCP/IP connection: Export one or more bibliographic or authority records directly to a local library system via a TCP/IP port. Establishing the export connection may require configuration of the local system and firewall.
extended matching algorithm: A procedure in OCLC batchloading services that creates derived search keys from incoming records and compares data to find a matching record. OCLC has extended matching algorithms for all record formats except computer files and archives/manuscript materials. OCLC applies this algorithm at its discretion based upon evaluation of the data in the file.

field: In a record, a marked area in which the same kind of information is consistently entered.
file structure: See record structure.
file transfer protocol (FTP): File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a TCP/IP-based protocol that is generally available for file transfers to and from a large variety of hosts including IBM mainframes, Tandem Guardian systems, and Unix hosts. FTP is the method used to retrieve files from an OCLC EDX account. It is also used in the OCLC Electronic Batchload Service. See also OCLC Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) account.
filing indicator: In bibliographic records, determines how many initial characters the system omits before indexing the field.
fill character: A black box or vertical bar in workforms that represents content that must have valid data, or where no attempt is made to provide data.
final OCLC actions: Actions catalogers take on records to accomplish specific tasks, such as adding holdings to a record, exporting a record to a local system, adding a new WorldCat record, or replacing an existing WorldCat record. See commands on the Action menu in Connexion client or in the Action list in Connexion browser.
Actions that libraries are permitted to take on records are part of each library's cataloging profile and are identified by the system by the authorization the library uses to log on.
FirstSearch: OCLC FirstSearch is an online reference service with a collection of databases, full text articles, full-image articles, library holdings, and interlibrary loan. It supports research in a wide range of subject areas with well-known bibliographic and full-text databases in addition to ready-reference tools such as directories, almanacs and encyclopedias.
FirstSearch/ILL Direct Request link: A link between OCLC Direct Request and the OCLC FirstSearch service that allows patrons to generate requests for materials cited in FirstSearch databases.
fixed field: In OCLC-MARC, as defined in OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards, the field in which mnemonic labels identify elements that contain coded information for describing the item and the record. The fixed field has a fixed length. It is a combination of various MARC 21 control fields.
fixed-length data element: An element in a record whose length cannot be changed. See also variable control fields.
forced add: The loading of a file of records to the database without attempting to find matching records and without validating their data. OCLC does a forced add rarely, when materials in the file are so unusual that matching records in the database are unlikely.
forename: A name before a surname; a first name.
format: A standard for the representation and exchange of data in machine-readable form. Standard organization for MARC bibliographic records. The library community uses formats so that MARC records can be readily transferred among automated systems. See also record structure.
Fretwell-Downing Informatics: Based in Sheffield, United Kingdom, with operations in Europe, North America and Australia, Fretwell-Downing Informatics (FDI) is a document delivery and ILS provider. Fretwell-Downing was acquired by OCLC in 2005.
free-text field: A field in which subfields are loosely defined to permit text (rather than coded) data entry.
frequency: The interval at which a publisher distributes a serial publication.
FRBR: Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records. An approach to consolidate different versions of the same content. For more details: http://www.ifla.org/VII/s13/frbr/frbr.pdf
FTP: See file transfer protocol (FTP).
full bibliographic record: The complete display of a bibliographic record, including all fields and subfields.
Full edition: The complete version of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system. See also Abridged edition.; Close classification.
Full mode: The authorization level used to log on to the system for copy cataloging and original cataloging activities. With a Full level authorization, catalogers can add and replace or set or delete holdings on master records or work with bibliographic institution records.
full-level record: Full or complete cataloging. Such a record contains all relevant added entries, full authority work for all access points (any new headings are contributed to NACO). If relevant, specialized descriptors are used (MESH, etc.).
full record: A display of an entire record on one or more screens.
full stop: In cataloging, a full stop is a period ( . ), colon ( : ), semicolon ( ; ), question mark
( ? ), or exclamation point ( ! ).
full text: The complete contents of a library resource that is text based, as opposed to an abstract or a bibliographic record.
full text option: See electronic document supplier.
function keys: Keys and key combinations on the keyboard that transmit signals not associated with printable or displayable characters (examples: F1, F2, etc). In specific applications, such as OCLC Connexion, function keys are programmed to initiate commands.

GAC: Group Access Capability. A group of institutions that use the OCLC system for resource sharing and interlibrary lending. A GAC has full and selective members. A selective user has access to only abbreviated bibliographic records, and only to records for its own group. Groups are composed of at least one Full member and may include Selective members who use WorldCat Resource Sharing only. GAC can also refer to the group itself.
GAC/UL: Group Access Capability/Union List. The same as a GAC, but a selective user also has access to local holdings records for its group.
general retention policy: Denotes the period for which the serial is retained or held by the location, for example, Permanently retained, Retained for a limited period, and Not retained.
Global Reference Network: Libraries and organizations worldwide committed to collaborative, digital reference and to sharing their expert resources to answer questions for patrons worldwide. The Global Network uses best match routing to find the institution best able to answer a question and builds and maintains a global knowledge base of previously asked and answered reference questions.
government document number: Government-assigned number for materials printed at the expense of and by the authority of any office of the government, for example, United States Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) numbers. Other government numbers may be used such as Canadian government numbers from the Outline of Classification. The form of these numbers varies.
Group Access Union List group: An OCLC Union List group in which some members are not OCLC Cataloging members and have limited access to OCLC services.
Group Services: OCLC service that helps libraries join to purchase, usually for a discount from the price each would pay to purchase the services on their own. Includes Group Catalog, a subset of all the WorldCat records cataloged by members of the group.

Hand Press Book (HPB): The HPB database includes records for European printing of the hand-press period (circa 1455-1830) from the Consortium of European Research Libraries (CERL), whose members represent national and university libraries in 16 countries. The database is available to CERL members only.
heading on a list: On the first line of each list or bibliographic record is a heading that describes the search and indicates the number of records retrieved. Depending on the search, the description may include database name, index labels, title phrases, keywords, numeric derived search, qualifier labels and qualifiers.
Help: Electronic user documentation that is available from the Help menu of a specific product such as Connexion, FirstSearch, etc.
hits: The number of records or the number of times a record or word is found as a result of searching the system.
holding library: The library or collection within an institution represented by the holding library code. See OCLC holding library code.
holding library code: See OCLC holding library code.
holdings: The total stock of materials, print and nonprint, owned by a library or library system, usually listed in its catalog. Synonymous in this sense with library collection. In a narrower sense, all the copies, volumes, issues, or parts of an item owned by a library, especially a serial publication, indicated in a holdings statement in the record representing the item in the catalog. Holdings can be recorded in the MARC 21 Format for Holdings Information.
holdings display: A list of OCLC symbols of institutions that hold the item. A holdings display accompanies each bibliographic record in WorldCat. See also Custom Holdings Locations record.
holdings information: The location, status and/or copies associated with a single bibliographic item of a specific publication held by a particular institution.
holdings record: A record containing the location, status, and/or copies associated with a single bibliographic item of a specific publication held by a particular institution.
holdings symbol: See OCLC holding library code.

identifier: A significant term, number, acronym, name, or symbol used alone or with other identifiers to refer to a library resource.
IFLA: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions IFLA is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. As an independent, international, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization, IFLA aims to promote high standards of provision and delivery of library and information services, encourage widespread understanding of the value of good library and information services, and represent the interests of its members throughout the world. The Royal Library, the national library of the Netherlands, in The Hague, provides facilities for IFLA's headquarters.
IHB: Institution Holdings Bit (IHB) is represented in online displays by the OCLC symbol.
ILL: Interlibrary loan. When a book or other item needed by a registered borrower is checked out, unavailable for some other reason, or not owned by the library, a patron may request that it be borrowed from another library by filling out an interlibrary loan request form at a service desk or on the library's Web site. Some libraries also accept ILL requests via e-mail or telephone. Interlibrary loan is a form of resource sharing that depends on maintaining union catalogs.
See WorldCat Resource Sharing.
ILL cycle: Interaction between Borrower and Lender during an interlibrary loan transaction.
ILL Fee Management service (IFM): A service that provides a means to pay and be paid for interlibrary loan requests through your OCLC invoice.
ILL Reasons for NO report: Monthly data about Borrower and Lender activity furnished electronically at no charge. This report records the ISO-specific reason a Lender was unable to lend a requested item.
ILL record: A record with an identification number created when a Borrower produces a workform, that is, sends the request to the first potential lender.
ILLiad: OCLC ILLiad Resource Sharing Management Software automates routine interlibrary loan functions, which increases productivity and reduces paperwork. The client/server software helps ILL staff manage a library's borrowing, lending and document delivery activities through a single Windows-based interface, and allows library users to submit and track their own requests via the Web, email and RSS feeds.
illustration: Graphics used to clarify or enhance the content of electronic or paper text.
ILS: Integrated Local System. See local system.
index: A detailed alphabetical or numerical list for a specific kind of bibliographic data provided by the system for retrieving a record or sets of records from a database such as WorldCat.
index label: A two- or three-character code followed by a colon or equal sign that indicates to the system the index against which to match a search term.
indicators: Each variable field in a MARC record has two indicators that follow the tag. The indicators supply information to the system for indexing, card production and other system functions. Values can be blank or numbers 1 - 9.
initial article: Articles (the, an, a, and non-English articles) that are the first word in a title or corporate name.
input stamp: Data appended to a call number, representing the location, copy number or other local information for an item.
institution: A library, a library system, an organization, or a part of a library, library system, or organization.
institution profile: A term synonymous with Cataloging Profile. See OCLC cataloging profile.
institution record (IR): A bibliographic record attached to a WorldCat master record that contains additional cataloging data specific to the library that contributes the IR. Bibliographic institution records are the result of incorporating "cluster" records from the RLG Union Catalog into WorldCat during the integration of RLG (Research Libraries Group) into OCLC.
institution symbol: See OCLC symbol.
institution-specific file: Records accessible only to an individual institution and OCLC that have been used or will be used by the institution.
integrated local system (ILS): See local system.
integrating resource: A bibliographic resource that is added to or changed by means of updates that do not remain discrete and are integrated into the whole. Integrating resources can be finite or continuing. Integrating resources include updating loose-leafs and updating web sites.
International Standard Book Number (ISBN): A unique identification number assigned to a work by its publisher. OCLC expanded the number of characters of an ISBN from 10 to 13. The thirteenth character is a check character that may be a number or the letter x. In printed form, the ISBN has three hyphens. Hyphens are omitted in online records. ISBNs are stored in field 020 in bibliographic records.
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): A unique identification number assigned to a serial through the ISSN Network. Each ISSN has eight characters. The eighth character is a check character that may be a number or the letter x. A hyphen follows the fourth character.
ISO: International Organization for Standardization. A name derived from the Greek word isos, meaning "equal." Founded in London in 1947 with headquarters in Geneva, ISO is a nongovernmental federation of national standardization organizations in 130 countries, dedicated to establishing international standards to facilitate commerce and cooperation in scientific, technical, and economic endeavors. The United States is represented in ISO by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ISO operates through approximately 160 technical committees and 2,300 subcommittees that recommend standards and standardization policy to its national members. See also ANSI.
ISO 10160/10161: International communications standards that permit the exchange of ILL messages among ILL systems even if they use different hardware and software. The standards also control ILL transactions for both lending and borrowing activities. See also Direct Request.
ISSN: See International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
issue: A unique document that is part of a serial that could be identified by words, numbers, or date of publication.
item: The physical embodiment of a work or representation that shares the same physical characteristics. For example, a book is an item; an audiocassette recording of the book is another item. An institution may have multiple copies of an item.

journal: A periodical publication usually devoted to scholarly subjects.

keystroke shortcuts: Key combinations that let you perform actions using the keyboard rather than the mouse. You can use shortcuts to navigate the Connexion interface, take actions on records, view and navigate Help, edit records, insert diacritics and special characters, run macros, and navigate lists.
keyword: A word in a bibliographic record that is indexed. It often conveys subject content in a search for library resources. Keywords are found in titles, notes, abstracts, summaries, descriptions, and subjects. Keywords are also names of people and places that are the subjects of a library resource or a listing in a directory.
keyword search: A type of search that uses a complete word, usually combined with other keywords.
kit: A set of textual and nontextual materials in which no one material dominates and which has a collective title. For example, a workbook that comes with flashcards, worksheets, video recording, gameboard, playing pieces, and dice.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z

L

label

Used on the spine of a book, on the pocket of a library item, or on a card representing a library item. See also card label, pocket label, or spine label.

label content

The types of information to be included on labels, including location, sublocation, call number and enumeration.

label file

A file created by catalogers using the OCLC Label Program (if using the Connexion browser) or using the Connexion client, which has a built-in label program.

Language Sets

OCLC service that provides libraries with pre-selected collections of books and DVDs in non-English languages.

LC

See Library of Congress.

LCCN

LCRI

See Library of Congress Rule Interpretations.

LC call number

See Library of Congress call number.

LCSH

See Library of Congress Subject Headings.

LDAP

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. An application protocol for querying and modifying directory services running over TCP/IP.

leader

Data elements that provide information for the processing of the record. The data elements contain numbers or coded values and are identified by relative character position. The leader is fixed in length at 24 character positions and is the first field of a MARC record.

Lender

The library supplying the item.

Any institution lending something to you. You are the lending library when you supply something to another library. See also Borrower.

Lender policies

Information about potential Lenders available from Find an OCLC Library and the OCLC Policies Directory.

lender string

OCLC symbols of up to five potential lenders.

less-than-full-level record

A record that does not meet the second level of description prescribed in AACR2.

Level I Standard

The input standard establishing criteria for a full or complete bibliographic record, indicated in a MARC record as ELvl:I

Level K Standard

The input standard establishing criteria for a less-than-full bibliographic record, indicated in a MARC record as ELvl:K.

LHR

See local holdings record (LHR).

LHR retrieve

A scan process that collects and saves all LHRs associated with an OCLC institution symbol into a file so they can be replaced after a scan/delete of that OCLC symbol.

LHR update

The process that returns the LHRs from an LHR retrieve file and resets the OCLC symbol on the associated bibliographic record in the OCLC database.

library

See institution.

library identifier

A locally assigned code that represents a particular institution. The code appears in a local data field of a bibliographic record submitted for group processing. A translation table converts the library identifier to an OCLC symbol for a matched record. The OCLC symbol is set on matching records for "set holds" and removed from matched records on "cancels."

Library of Congress

The research arm of the Congress of the United States, established in 1800 and located in Washington, D.C. Although not officially a national library, the Library of Congress (LC) provides services appropriate to a national library. LC also administers the U.S. copyright system, serving as the nation's copyright depository.

LC is the primary source of original cataloging in the United States. Machine-readable cataloging (MARC) and cataloging-in-publication (CIP) programs originated at the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress call number

Identification number derived from the U.S. Library of Congress classification system. Used to retrieve a library resource.

Library of Congress Control Number

An accession number assigned by the Library of Congress. The LCCN is usually a two- or four-character number representing the year, followed by a hyphen and up to six numbers. The Library of Congress formerly referred to control numbers as card numbers.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Library of Congress Subject Headings. An established list of preferred subject terms, selected by a subject specialist at the Library of Congress, from which an indexer or cataloger may select when assigning subject headings to a bibliographic record representing a work he/she is cataloging. Includes main terms and subdivisions.

Library of Congress Rule Interpretations

Cataloging guidelines issued by the Library of Congress (LC). Specific instructions by LC on the use of AACR2.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Formal and consistent vocabulary words derived from the U.S. Library of Congress classification system used to describe the subject of a work.

Library Technical Services

Library Technical Services (LTS) is OCLC's library cataloging service based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. LTS provides original and copy cataloging as well as physical processing of materials to large and medium-sized academic libraries in Canada.

Limited mode

A type of logon authorization generally used for training new catalogers. Those who log on to the system using a Limited authorization can search for and edit records and export them if needed, but cannot take final OCLC actions on records.

Literary form

A mode of literary expression such as poetry, drama, fiction, etc. Each form can be subdivided into kinds of forms, e.g., lyric poetry, comedy, science fiction, etc.

local data

Data in a record that is pertinent only to the institution cataloging the record. For example, local processing information and cataloger's notes are local data. Certain 9xx fields are reserved for local data. Local data is not preserved in the master record.

Local Holdings Agent mode

An authorization mode that allows the Holdings Agent of a union list group to create and maintain local holdings records on a member's behalf.

local holdings format

The communications format for representation and exchange of holdings data created at a library. It is often MARC 21 Holdings format that conforms to the ANSI/NISO standard with variations for local purposes. See also MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data; local holdings record (LHR).

local holdings maintenance

OCLC service that helps libraries maintain accurate, current holdings information by providing a library's holdings for materials in any format, including serials. Formerly called Union Listing.

local system

An institution's computer system that manages cataloging, acquisitions, circulation, serials and/or an online catalog. If elements of a local system are designed to interact, can be called an Integrated Local System (ILS).

local system vendor

The company that manufactured a library's integrated library system.

location

An institution, library within an institution, a library within a group of libraries or collection within an institution or library.

location information

A list of libraries that have used a bibliographic record for cataloging. Each bibliographic record in WorldCat has location information.

log off

The process of disconnecting from a local or remote system.

log on

The process of connecting to a local or remote system.

Machine readable cataloging: See MARC.
Main class: One of the ten major subdivisions of the DDC, represented by the first digit in the notation, e.g., 3 in 300 Social sciences.
main entry: The entry determined by AACR2 to be the primary access point for the item.
manuscript: A document (including musical scores, maps, as well as text) that is made by hand or transcripts.
Maps format: OCLC-MARC format used for cataloging cartographic material, such as maps, atlases, globes, digital maps. In WorldCat searches, use the Maps index (label: map) as a qualifier to limit results to records for this type of material.
MARC: Machine-Readable Cataloging. An international standard digital format for the description of bibliographic items developed by the Library of Congress during the 1960s to facilitate the creation and dissemination of computerized cataloging from library to library within the same country and between countries. By 1971, the MARC format had become the national standard for dissemination of bibliographic data and by 1973, an international standard.
Several versions of MARC are in use internationally, the most predominant of which is MARC 21, created in 1999 as a result of the harmonization of U.S. and Canadian MARC formats. UKMARC is used primarily in the United Kingdom. UNIMARC is widely used in Europe. Besides formats for bibliographic records, the MARC 21 family of standards now also includes formats for authority records, holdings records, classification schedules, and community information.
MARC-8 character sets: Approved character sets for MARC 21 cataloging as defined in MARC 21 Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets, and Exchange Media at http://www.loc.gov/marc/specifications/speccharucs.html. Subsets of UTF-8 character sets.
See also non-Latin scripts; UTF-8 Unicode character sets.
MARC21: The version of Machine Readable Cataloging that superseded USMARC in 1999 with the harmonization of U.S. and Canadian MARC formats. MARC 21 is supported by OCLC and is the current official MARC standard in the United States, Canada, Australia, and numerous other countries.
MARC 21 Format for Authority Data: The format for the authorized forms of names, subjects, subject subdivisions, the forms used to refer to the authorized forms, and the interrelationships among them.
MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data: The format for printed and manuscript textual materials, computer files, maps, music, continuing resources, visual materials, and mixed materials. Bibliographic data commonly include titles, names, subjects, notes, publication data, and information about the physical description of an item. See also OCLC-MARC.
MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data: The format for representation and exchange of holdings data from the Library of Congress.
MARC 21 label file: In electronic processing, a separate file sent with the data file. It identifies characteristics of the data file, including the date compiled, records in the file, name of the data file, system, format, type of record, and destination.
MARC record: See MARC.
matches: The number of times the system identifies a search term, or the number of records retrieved as a result of a search.
master record: Version of WorldCat or LC Authority File records available to all OCLC Connexion catalogers. A master record does not include local data for any library. Catalogers can retrieve a record, edit it, and export it to their local system, even when the master record is locked by another user. Adding, replacing, setting or deleting holdings on master records or working with bibliographic institution records requires Full cataloging level or higher.
material type: The type of material the record represents. The type can represent a physical type, such as atlas or kit; or content, such as biography or fiction; or focus, such as juvenile or conference publication.
materials vendor: Wholesale booksellers and publishers who provide library materials through approval plans and firm orders from institutions.
maximum field/record size: Bibliographic records must meet size limits defined in MARC21 standards. The number of characters in a field cannot exceed 9,999. The number of characters in a record cannot exceed 99,999. These limits apply to records you catalog using Connexion and to those provided by the OCLC MARC Subscription service. The system capacity for a field in a record in WorldCat is 9,999 characters.
media format: Indicates the physical form or the method of information delivery for a library resource described.
Medical Subject Headings: Formal and consistent vocabulary words and phrases used to describe the subject of a medical work. MeSH is provided by the National Library of Medicine for medical and health sciences libraries.
meeting name: See conference name.
MeSH: See Medical Subject Headings.
Message File: A searchable file that groups your current ILL records according to status; a subset of the ILL Transaction File.
metadata: Literally, "data about data." Structured information describing information resources/objects for a variety of purposes. Although AACR2/MARC cataloging is formally metadata, the term is generally used in the library community for non-traditional schemes such as the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set, the VRA Core Categories, and the Encoded Archival Description (EAD). Metadata has been categorized as descriptive, structural, and administrative. Descriptive metadata facilitates indexing, discovery, identification, and selection. Structural metadata describes the internal structure of complex information resources. Administrative metadata aids in the management of resources and may include rights management metadata, preservation metadata, and technical metadata describing the physical characteristics of a resource
mixed batch: An offline service for batchload members sending both OCLC-derived and non-OCLC-derived records.
Mixed Materials format: OCLC-MARC format used for cataloging materials in two or more forms that have accumulated by or about a person or body, excluding instructional materials, which are coded as o (Kit). Includes archival material and mixed manuscript materials such as text, photographs, and sound recordings. In WorldCat searches, use the Mixed Materials index (label: mix) as a qualifier to limit results to records for this type of material. See also kit.
mnemonic: An aid used help memory. Fixed field elements of records have mnemonic identifiers to help catalogers with coding and interpretation.
monograph: An item complete in one part or a specified number of parts; compare, serial.
multipart surname: Surname that includes prefixes, hyphenated names, or names that begin with articles or prepositions.
music number: See publisher number.
music publisher number: See publisher number.
musical composition: Indicates the category under which a work of written or recorded music may fall based on its arrangement, structure, instrumentation, or other musical component.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z

N

NACO

Name Authority Cooperative Program. Name authority component of the Library of Congress Program for Cooperative Cataloging. NACO participants create and maintain authority records in the OCLC Authority File.

name/title derived search

See derived search.

NCIP

See NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol (NCIP).

NCIP Unique User ID

Patron login credentials (i.e., library card number + pin) that are used to authenticate a patron via NCIP

Borrower NCIP User ID: NCIP ID assigned to the borrowing library itself, used as the borrower when the patron ID or the lending library's ID is not available. For example, an item can be checked out to the borrowing library's ILL Department rather than to an individual or to the lending library's ILL Department.
Lender NCIP User ID: NCIP ID assigned to the lending library itself, used to check items out of their collection when the patron ID or the borrowing library's ID is not available. For example, an item can be checked out to the lending library's ILL Department rather than to an individual or that individual's library.

NEPU

The Union List group symbol for the United States Newspaper Program.

nesting

Grouping terms within parentheses to specify the order in which they will be combined. Terms in the innermost parentheses will be combined and searched first. Without parentheses, terms will be combined in left-to-right order.

NetLibrary

A leading provider of eBooks for the library market. NetLibrary develops hosts, maintains and preserves eBook and eAudio collections for academic, corporate, public, and school libraries. A division of OCLC since January 2002.

NISO

National Information Standards Organization. Accredited by ANSI to develop voluntary technical standards for the library, information sciences, and publishing communities. See also ANSI.

NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol (NCIP)

NISO standard defining messaging between circulation systems, Ill systems or broker applications. This protocol is limited to the exchange of messages between and among computer-based applications enabling them to:

perform functions necessary to lend and borrow items
provide controlled access to electronic resources
facilitate co-operative management of these functions

Nongap break

In local holdings records, an indication that no issued items are missing, but a gap exists in the publication or numbering of the serial itself. For example, a change in enumeration of the series may cause a nongap break in the enumeration.

non-Latin scripts

Character sets not based on Latin character sets. The Connexion client supports cataloging using the following non-Latin, MARC-8 scripts: Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, and Korean. The following UTF-8 Unicode character sets are also supported: Bengali, Devanagari, Tamil, and Thai.

Non-referral days

See system days.

nonsupplier

Institution that does not respond to interlibrary loan requests through OCLC; OCLC symbols of nonsuppliers display in lowercase letters.

Notes

Supply significant additional information about an item described in a bibliographic record.

numeric search

A type of WorldCat search that allows you to search for records by number, such as ISBN or OCLC control number.

OCLC: Previously called Online Computer Library Center, Inc. and Ohio College Library Center. Nonprofit membership organization serving libraries around the world to further access to the world's information and reduce library costs by offering services for libraries and their users.
OCLC-affiliated regional network: Centers organized by regions or library type in the United States. Regional networks serve their libraries and library networks and provide access and support to OCLC members and participating library organizations that contract for OCLC services.
OCLC Authority File: A database which helps provide consistency of name and subject headings to be used in a catalog by establishing the authoritative forms of names (personal or corporate) and subject headings.
OCLC batchloading services: Automated method of processing bibliographic and local holdings records (LHR) submitted by libraries and vendors into WorldCat. (Separate service from cataloger-initiated batch processing in the Connexion client.) See bibliographic record, local holdings record (LHR).
OCLC cataloging: OCLC's online services for cataloging library materials using WorldCat and for producing catalog cards, machine-readable records, and other offline products. Participating institutions retrieve bibliographic records, modify the information for local use, and then order the modified record from OCLC. Institutions also contribute new records and location information to WorldCat for items for which no record is found. Access to cataloging activities is provided by the Connexion client, Connexion browser, CatExpress, and Z39.50 cataloging.
OCLC cataloging profile: Identifies and describes an institution's collections, including department and branch collections. Describes catalog card arrangements, sorting arrangements, types of cards, how information prints on cards, classification schemes and sources of subject headings.
OCLC CatExpress: An OCLC service for copy cataloging. CatExpress users log on from Connexion browser. Connexion users who also subscribe to CatExpress log on to Connexion and access CatExpress from the Express tab.
OCLC Connexion: Integrated cataloging service that offers access to WorldCat, the OCLC Authority File and other online databases. The browser interface provides access via Internet Explorer or other browsers. The client interface provides access via Microsoft Windows-based software installed on user workstations. Both interfaces offer the same cataloging capabilities. Each also provides unique capabilities.The browser interface uniquely provides access to CatExpress, Dewey services, local holdings maintenance, and OCLC Selection and supports creation of pathfinders and other electronic resources. The client uniquely supports the use of macros, local files, offline cataloging, integrated label processing, using non-Latin scripts for cataloging, and batch processing searches and record actions.
OCLC Connexion browser: One of two interfaces to OCLC Connexion cataloging services and products. Introduced in mid-2002, the Web-browser-based interface provides the same access to cataloging in WorldCat as the Connexion client. The browser interface also provides some unique functions, including WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey, CatExpress, OCLC Selection, Pathfinders, Digital Archive, and Local Holdings Maintenance.
OCLC Connexion client: One of two interfaces to OCLC Connexion cataloging services and products. Introduced in the second half of 2003, the Windows-based software interface provides the same access to cataloging in WorldCat as the Connexion browser. The client interface also provides some unique functions, including the use of macros and an automatic macro recorder, extensive keyboard shortcut customization, integrated label printing, local files, offline cataloging, batch processing for searches and record actions, use of non-Latin-based multiscripts for cataloging, and more.
OCLC control number: A unique accession number assigned by the OCLC system when a record is added to WorldCat. Used to search for records.
OCLC Customer Services Division (CSD): OCLC's user assistance and support contact desk that provides support for telecommunications, hardware, and software. Formerly called OCLC User and Network Support (UNS).
OCLC-derived records: Bibliographic records originally obtained from OCLC. Some institutions export records directly from OCLC into their local system, without setting holdings online. These records are then returned to OCLC as a batchload project to set and/or cancel the institution's holdings.
OCLC distributor: An authorized agent for OCLC products and services for the international market. See also OCLC regional service provider.
OCLC Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) account: Service offered by OCLC for the transfer of data via standard File Transfer Protocol (FTP) whereby OCLC provides an Electronic Data Exchange account into which OCLC posts bibliographic and authority records, label records, and reports. The institution retrieves files from the account via the Internet. See also OCLC Product Services Web, file transfer protocol (FTP).
OCLC holding library code: A unique code that identifies a holding library within an institution. See also OCLC symbol.
OCLC-MARC: OCLC's implementation of the MARC bibliographic format. See also MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data.
OCLC-MARC Subscription service: An OCLC service that provides OCLC-MARC bibliographic records through an OCLC Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) account for items on which an institution sent a Replace, Produce, Update, or Delete Holdings command in OCLC Cataloging.
OCLC New Jersey: Provider of a database that links metadata for electronic resources. Formerly known as Openly Informatics. Acquired by OCLC in 2006. Located in Bloomfield, New Jersey.
OCLC number: See OCLC control number.
OCLC Policies Directory: Web-based repository of the copy and lending policies of libraries participating in WorldCat Resource Sharing. Information contained includes institution information (e.g., schedule, contacts, collections, web links), informational copy and lending policies, and deflection policies that allow requests to bypass an institution.
OCLC Product Services Web: An OCLC Web site from which users retrieve labels, records, and reports from their OCLC Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) accounts. It also provides OCLC software downloads, macros, scripts, and labels. See also OCLC Electronic Data Exchange (EDX) account.
OCLC regional service provider: Centers organized by region or library type in the United States. Regional networks serve their libraries and library networks and provide access and support to OCLC members and participating library organizations that contract for OCLC services. See also OCLC distributor; OCLC-affiliated regional network.
OCLC Selection: A service that enhances the acquisition process by automating the processing of requests for library materials.
OCLC symbol: A unique identifier assigned by OCLC to member libraries and other participants. OCLC symbols in records and in holdings displays identify libraries that have entered, modified, and used the bibliographic records for cataloging. See also OCLC holding library code.
OCLC Union List: Former name for local holdings maintenance service. See local holdings maintenance.
OCLC User and Network Support (UNS): See OCLC Customer Services Division (CSD).
OCLC WorldCat Resource Sharing: Service that helps OCLC libraries borrow and lend materials through interlibrary loan. Facilitates creating, sending, managing and tracking loan requests and document orders.
Online Service Center: The Online Service Center is a secure, Web-based tool that library staff with administrative authority can use to order OCLC products and services as well as view, update and manage their OCLC account information.
OPAC or OPC: An acronym for online public access catalog, a database composed of bibliographic records describing the books and other materials owned by a library or library system, accessible via public terminals or workstations, or via the Internet. Most online catalogs are searchable by author, title, subject, and keywords and allow users to print, download, or export records to an e-mail account.
Open-ended holding: A holdings statement that indicates an item (such as a serial, a series, or a multipart work) is still in publication.
original cataloging: Cataloging performed by an institution itself and not derived from any other source.
OSC: See Online Service Center.

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