Cataloging without OCLC

I'm exploring cataloging options other than joining OCLC. I've worked with OCLC for forever, but in my new position in a new organization, I need to develop a cataloging system without OCLC. Its been a hard concept to get my head around. Has any one done this? And how is the workflow with other utilities?

I'm confused, but also somewhat new to this. Do you mean you don't like the structure of OCLC's site? Or don't like using (borrowing) existing records there? I frequently find records with flaws or just plain lazy cataloging, and that is a definite gripe, but as for MARC itself, how can you beat it?!

I always go to OCLC first, and if I find it isn't there, I go to Voyager.
If they are not in either of those, we resort to original cataloging.
Heater mac- what type of library are you in?

Keep this group alive!

Is it the financial costs that put you off? Is the library too bg to just do original cataloguing? Or you could buy the items shelf-ready from a supplier (i.e. with the MARc records already done.)

All things the same, a record you get from LC is free :) Apart from that, buying records from OCLC is great for libraries, but would it still work for individuals? Plus, isn't it the case that original records contributed by you get copyright by OCLC (don't know, just an impression)?

Not to be critical, but a library is never too big to do original records, but the smallest libraries in the best of worlds would be able to avail themselves of free copy rather than be forced to do expensive originals.

IMHO, FWIW -- not much, really.

Sorry I posted this so late, but I just read it. If your library is in the medical field, then you need to go to NLM (National Library of Medicine). their website is: nlm.nih.gov then click on Library Catalogs & Services, then Locator Plus...good luck.

#7 We have 1000+ items per week arriving, in a perfect world I would originally catalogue them all, but not very cost effective...!

Do you have Z39.50 capabilities? If so, you can download records from just about anywhere. In Canada, we use AMICUS from Library and Archives Canada a lot and it is free. We alos link to some major government and university libraries (but, yes, we use WorldCat as well). Frankly, probably half of our cataloguing (or more) is original because we catalogue what our department (Statistics Canada) publishes.

I read last week that LibLime has brought up a cataloguing database that could be a potential competitor to OCLC. Their press release is here:

http://liblime.com/news-items/press-releases/announcing-biblios-net-the-worlds-l...

Might be worth a look.

Good luck, and I hope you can let us know what you come up with.