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The article reports on a study performed during 1987 that tested the belief among catalogers that the quality of original cataloging in online computer library catalog (OCLC) and research libraries information networks (RLIN) differs markedly, and determines whether some kinds of errors occurred with greater frequency in member-contributed original cataloging. In the early years of these two major U.S. bibliographic networks, Library of Congress machine-readable cataloging (LC MARC records) formed the nucleus and large majority of records of both databases. Although LC MARC records are not error-free, they were then and are today the highest standard of quality in the U.S., leaving the networks to assume that most of their cataloging was the best quality available. Using MARC records as their authority, both databases required member libraries to follow LC practice. The proportion of records in OCLC and RLIN contributed by member libraries has grown steadily, while the proportion of LC MARC records declined. The two networks took different approaches to quality control. They had different objectives, pricing structures, cataloging needs and capabilities, and historic developments. At the risk of oversimplifying, it is not unfair to say that OCLC emphasized building its database, encouraging members to contribute new cataloging without applying strict controls on its accuracy and fullness, while RLIN assigned a high priority to cataloging quality, encouraging accuracy and fullness in records even if fewer of them were contributed as a result.

Studies the performance problems of the information retrieval system RLIN by the Research Libraries Group Inc. (RLG). Recommendation of RLG to revamp hardware and software system; Reasons for problems faced by RLIN II system; Resignation of the President of RLG Edward E. Shaw; Shortage of real memory problem faced by the system.

The article reports on the merger of the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) and the Research Libraries Group (RLG) in an effort to strengthen electronic research collections. The merger includes the absorption of RLG's Research Libraries Information Network into OCLC's WorldCat system. It is noted that OCLC is far larger and has greater revenues than RLG. A quote from James Neal, chair of RLG's board of directors, on the merger is included.

Discusses the continued system upgrades made by the U.S. Research Libraries Group (RLG) since its inception in 1974. Upgradation of the Amdahl 5860 computers installed in 1984 to a model 5880 multiprocessors; Pending delivery of an order for an Amdahl 5890-300 processor; Factor contributing to the move of Research Libraries Information Network of RLG to upgrade to Amdahl 580 processors.

Reports that the launch of the System Level Access Project (SLAP) in public libraries in California will give Cooperative Public Library Systems access to records in the Online Computer Library Catalog database and in the Research Libraries Information Network. Benefits of the accessibility to public libraries; Goals of the SLAP; Availability of reports on the project through the California State Library.

Reports that collections of Chicago, Illinois-based Center for Research Libraries is accessible for inter library loan by the RLIN network of the Research Libraries Group. Involvement of the Center in activities of interest to the Research Libraries Group.

Reports that the University of Toronto in Ontario has joined The Research Libraries Group Inc. (RLG) as a special member of the latter's East Asian Program. Number of monographs and microforms in the university's library as of May 15, 1983; Plans of RLG to add the Toronto records to extend the capacity of its Research Libraries Information Network cataloging; U.S. libraries participating in the East Asian Program of RLG.

Solicits the opinion of five major bibliographic facilities on how they would respond to major computer and database disasters. Library of Congress MARC program; Online Computer Library Center; Research Libraries Information Network; Washington Library Network; University of Toronto Library Automated Systems.

Reports on the failed injunction filed by the Cooperative Library Agency for Systems and Services against the Research Libraries Group for terminating their brokering agreement. Description of the agreement between the two companies; Possibility of further action by CLASS; Details of a new agreement between RLG and the Research Libraries Information Network.

Reports that the inter library loan system of RLIN, the information system of the Research Libraries Group, is now a part of the network's Integrated Technical Processing Subsystem.

Presents information on automation of libraries in the United States as of April 1987. Installation of Research Libraries Information Network software by the Research Libraries Group Inc.; Contract between CLSI Inc. and Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana for its LIBS 100 library automation system; Acquisition of LS/2000 by the McConnell Library at Radford University, Virginia from OCLC Inc.

Reports on the recommendation for Online Computer Library catalog (OCLC) by the OCLC Users Council in the creation of the national network. Role of OCLC in the various features of national database; Denial of the Research Libraries Information Network's intention to become a national database.

Reports on the implementation of the initial phase of the Linked Systems online project, a computer-to-computer telecommunications link that speeds authority data to the Research Libraries Information Network.

Focuses on the entry of the 100,000th record into RLIN, the database of the Research Libraries Group. Addition of East Asian vernacular records for publication in Chinese, Japanese and Korean; Number of records a month added to libraries contributing vernacular cataloging.