Records input into the OLUC by OCLC members as part of their cataloging activities should adhere to the prevailing standard. Records that do not conform will come from other sources, including retrospective conversion projects and MARC records from other countries. While they may not meet the established standards for completeness and formatting, these non-conforming records are still of value. A brief, incomplete bibliographic description is better than no description. Background It is evident to the Task Force that the needs of the entire OCLC community are best served by records that are as complete as possible.
Briefer records are of diminished value to all.
However, while they are of diminished value, they may still be very useful. The impending conversion of the Harvard College Library catalog by OCLC provides a compelling example. Approximately 1.5 million records that will result from this project will not meet the established standards for completeness and formatting. These will be of great value to Reference, Interlibrary Loan, Collection Development, and, most important, to Patrons. They will also be of value in Cataloging, although they should be upgraded to the prevailing standard if they are to be used in a local catalog.