Initial system design for the Ohio College Library Center: A case history

Abstract

Incorporation of the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC) as a not for- profit corporation occurred on July 6, 1967. As expressed in the Article of Incorporation, the purpose of the corporation is "to establish, maintain and operate a computerized, regional library center to serve the academic libraries of Ohio (both state and private) and designed so as to become a part of any national electronic network for bibliographical communication."/The director of the Center took up his duties in Columbus in early September and spent most of the next two months consummating legal organization. System design was initiated, however, during this period, and following OCLC formal organization meetings at the end of October, system design became the main order of business. This article narrates the development of the design of a computerized regional library system in the early months of the Center's existence. As a case history, the paper contains early efforts and diagnosis; at this writing it is too early for prognosis.