The development of OCLC in three New Mexico academic libraries.

Abstract

In 1974 Joe A. Hewitt conducted a study of the development of online cataloging in the charter member libraries of the Ohio College Library Center. This study of the development of OCLC in New Mexico utilizes Hewitt's Interview and Evaluation Schedules. Three libraries awarding degrees through the Masters' level have been selected for the purpose of inquiring into the following: a. Was the impact on the three New Mexico libraries the same or similar to the impact found by Hewitt in Ohio and why? b. Does this verify or deny Hewitt's conclusions and projections about a bibliographic utility as an agent for change? c. Will a more intensive use of the utility yield extended patron services as an equal or lower cost or only serve to lower the rate of rise in cost of patron services? Although there was not sufficient data for statistical testing, insights were gained into the above questions. The findings indicated that although the impact was great, it could have been even more so with an extensive acceptance of the on-line records. Hewitt's conclusions and projections concerning OCLC as an agent for change were verified. There had been an increase in patron services, although at a higher cost. but automated procedures could help to lower the rate of rise in cost of services in the future. The resource sharing. originally mandated by legislative guidelines, had not been developed as one would have hoped; but the New Mexico legislature was sufficiently pleased with the success of the program in the state's academic libraries. that in 1980 it authorized the State library to plan and institute an intra-state network, including public libraries, using OClC to facilitate legislative intent. Five years after Hewitt's study was completed. we did not find significant differences between the conclusions and projections in Ohio and those in New Mexico.