OCLC's CatExpress is an easy-to-use, copy cataloging interface to OCLC's WorldCat database, that contains over 95 million records. You do not need to know MARC to use this cataloging product.

With CatExpress you can:

• use your existing Internet connection and browsers (i.e. Netscape and Internet Explorer).
• search for items and their MARC records.
• attach and delete your holdings.
• do a limited amount of record editing.
• retrieve your MARC records the next day and import them into your local system.
• get monthly and year-to-date statistics showing the number of records cataloged and deleted. To see your statistics, log into CatExpress, choose “Download Records” from the options tab. Then choose “OCLC CatExpress Transaction Reports” from the list of reports and statistics. OCLC makes reports and records available to you for 90 days so you should see the previous 3 months of reports available to view. The SETHOLDS column is the one that shows you how many records you have actually cataloged. There is both a column for the current month as well as year-to-date..

With CatExpress no formal training is needed. There is:

• an online tutorial.
• an online User Services Guide that can be printed out and copied for ready reference.
• online context-sensitive HELP.

Ordering information:

• To order CatExpress through reQuest, your library must have at least the Basic reQuest membership which costs $300 per year.
• With CatExpress you estimate the number of titles you think you'll catalog in a year upfront and will be billed for that subscription amount. The current charge is .95 (FY 2008) per record. You will want to estimate a little low since you will not be refunded for any unused amounts at the end of the year. If you go over the estimated amount you will be billed monthly for that amount.
• For more information contact
  Gail Hurley, Statewide Library Catalog Coordinator
  Telephone: (860) 704-2222 or toll free (888) 256-1222

More information about CatExpress.