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Policy for Use and Transfer of WorldCat ® Records
Frequently Asked Questions
The Review Board on Principles of Shared Data Creation and Stewardship has
issued its final report recommending that the proposed Policy on Use and Transfer
of WorldCat Records be withdrawn and a new policy drafted. OCLC has officially
withdrawn this proposed policy.
These “ Frequently Asked Questions” are provided as a guide as you review the Policy
for Use and Transfer of WorldCat ® Records. The permanent link to this FAQ is:
http:// purl. org/ oclc/ wcrup- faq. All instances of “ Policy” in this document refer to
the Policy for Use and Transfer of WorldCat ® Records http:// purl. org/ oclc/ wcrup.
FAQ updated Nov. 21, 2008.
Overview
1. Why is OCLC implementing these changes?
The information landscape has undergone vast changes since 1987 when the
Guidelines for the Use and Transfer of OCLC- Derived Records were last updated.
In response to changing needs and opportunities for sharing WorldCat records,
OCLC has updated the Policy to:
• Respond to the changing information landscape
• Modernize the language of the Guidelines
• Clarify how WorldCat records can be used and shared
• Expand the opportunities for record sharing among member and non- member
libraries, archives and museums
• Reinforce OCLC’s support for WorldCat data sharing that encourages innovation
and benefits libraries, museums and archives while protecting OCLC’s
members’ investment in WorldCat.
The following OCLC product, service and business names are trademarks or service marks of OCLC Online Computer Library
Center, Inc.: OCLC, WorldCat, WorldCat. org and “ The world’s libraries. Connected.” In addition, the WorldCat symbol and
OCLC symbol are service marks of OCLC. OCLC grants permission to photocopy this publication as needed.