Bibliographic utility networks

Abstract

This article describes the functions, features, and advantages of bibliographic utility networks. Some cases have also described in order to get in-depth knowledge on their core services. The services of a bibliographic utility network are centred on online union catalogue database. Some bibliographic utility networks derived a number of services from their exhaustive union catalogue database to be used by different segments of clienteles. The services are not only contributory from participating institutions but also accessible to non-participating customers for search-only services. Their products have intense reference value to the libraries worldwide. Their expansion beyond their origin also have described here, which reflected in phenomenon growth in their services and membership. Some successful bibliographic utility networks, i.e., Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Research Libraries Information Network (RLIN), Western Library Network (WLN), UTLAS and Kinetica have described here, and these utility networks have wider impact on library and information services. These bibliographic utility networks transform the face of library and information services to equip with new technological tools and techniques.