If the first potential lender cannot lend the item, the request goes immediately to the second potential lender, and so on. The system tracks the transaction through completion. Optional monthly statistical reports are available. A library communicates with the OCLC Online System through a workstation and a telecommunications line. Multidrop line access is currently being used but will be phased out by the year 2001.
Internet is available to libraries that have capabilities already in place.
Internet access can be billed at either an hourly or a fixed rate. Although virtually any PC-compatible workstation may be used to access OCLC, it is necessary that libraries use OCLC software called Passport for Windows. To libraries that wish to purchase their hardware from OCLC, OCLC offers IBM-based workstation products. OCLC offers two sets of products that enable you to download records to your workstation and work with them locally. This increases efficiency and saves communication charges.