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Language Sets : Common questions

Common questions

What criteria are used to select materials?

Materials are selected by our Language Sets Collection Development team. These OCLC staff members, who offer expertise in a language or area of the world, select across a broad range of subjects most appealing to immigrant populations living in the U.S. and Canada.  We often select from pre-publication data and supply new materials published in the last two years. We strive to provide the highest quality bindings, and will often rebind materials for better circulation at no additional expense to the library.

How do I obtain my MARC records?

Every set comes cataloged with MARC records. The cost for each MARC record you receive is covered under the set price and includes searching, editing, and setting your holdings.

Choices for secure electronic delivery include the Web and EDX.

Can I have my MARC records edited to my local practice?

Every title contains an LC or Dewey call number, LC subject headings, and Bilindex headings for Spanish titles. All titles are searched against WorldCat and upgraded by a cataloger to add appropriate subject headings and call numbers, if needed. If no matching record is found, we create an original record according to AACR2 and OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards.

OCLC provides some call number and subject heading editing as part of your Language Sets order. We typically allow choice of language, audience, and format prefixes, fiction and non-fiction call numbers, and your choice of a text cutter, or four figure OCLC cutter.  We can add constant data notes like "Spanish language materials" to each record.  For an additional charge, we can accommodate other local editing needs.

Do you offer bilingual and ESL books?

We offer bilingual sets for children in Spanish and Chinese.  We do order ESL materials and place them in the sets as we find them

How many books in the adult sets are translations?

It varies, but for the most part 20-30% of a typical set includes translations. The other 80% includes titles written by native authors.

I’ve heard there is a difference in Chinese writing, what does this mean?

In written Chinese, there are books in traditional characters and books written in simplified characters. A reader from Taiwan or Hong Kong often prefers to read books in traditional characters, and a reader from China often prefers to read books in simplified characters. In order to appeal to both reading groups, we typically select books in both traditional and simplified characters.

What percentage of the books are hardback vs. paperback?

Typically a set will contain a mixture of both items; however, most juvenile books are hardbound at no additional expense to the library for better circulation.

How can I promote OCLC Language Sets to my library patrons?

OCLC provides bookmarks, signage, and posters that can be put in your library, or posted at international grocery stores, recreation centers, churches and mosques. Many of these items are printable from the OCLC web site.

Can I place a single order, or do I have to set up a standing order option?

Sets can be ordered in one month and delivered the next.  You may place a single order or you can set up a standing order option, and we will notify you when it is time to renew.  If you wish to place an order for several sets at one time, we will work with you to set up an appropriate delivery schedule. OCLC has an online store for easy ordering. Paper forms are also provided for those who prefer.

When will I be billed for my set?

Language Sets are billed upon delivery each month.  Your OCLC invoice will follow your shipment by a few weeks. For example, if you receive a set in December, you will receive your OCLC invoice in early January.

Are you planning other language sets in the future?

OCLC is always interested in expanding the languages and formats we offer. We encourage you to let us know the languages you’re interested in seeing us offer. Please send your suggestions to your OCLC Library Services Representative.  You may also contact OCLC by phone at 1-800-898-6252 or 1-614-764-6000.

Is it possible to get other languages and materials that are not currently offered through Language Sets

Upon request, OCLC can acquire languages and materials not currently offered through Language Sets. We can provide most languages and formats.  We typically work under a budget and selection criteria provided by the library. For more information please contact OCLC at 1-800-898-6252 or 1-614-764-6000 or visit the OCLC Language Sets web site at www.oclc.org/languagesets.