The program has a 3-year projected timeline, with its first efforts expected by January 2001 and a beta launch next summer. According to Hermes, OCLC also plans to make the database more robust, broader, and deeper, and linked to outside databases. No longer will all data flow from the computers in Dublin, Ohio. We re moving beyond bibliographic records, adding tables of contents, cover art from book jackets, more of Steve s big, fat records, through full links to digital objects, special collections, and alternative formats. Hermes also indicated that OCLC would link Extended World Catalog data globally e.g., with the PICA online cataloging service in the Netherlands, in which OCLC recently acquired a majority interest.
PICA helps libraries in the Netherlands, France, and Germany create union catalogs.
Under the new strategy, OCLC plans to link data from PICA into the Extended World Catalog and vice versa. This policy would expand both the number of bibliographic records and library holdings. No matter how diverse the sources, however, the project managers at OCLC intend to present patrons with a smooth, integrated presentation of data. The Extended World Catalog forms just one part of OCLC s new Four Corners strategy, according to Gary Houk, vice president of metadata and content-management services. When users find a citation, they can get the item.