Converting OCLC tape records

[spober at manhattan.edu]

> From: Dan Lester <dan at 84.com>
> 
> Have you asked OCLC for an alternative format?  I'd be amazed if they
> couldn't give them to you on CDROM, DVDROM, DAT, or something else.  They
> might also be able to FTP it to you.  You might have to pay again......

Be amazed.  Be very amazed.  <g>

It surprised me, too.  I just received an email from OCLC that confirmed
that they currently offer the "Union List Offline Product" in tape form
only.  I've gotten one price quote of $250 for conversion of the tape. 
Having never done a tape-to-file conversion, I have no idea what the
going rate is, but that sounds pretty steep to me.  

> I'd also bet that someone at Columbia could do it for you....and so could a
> whole host of service bureaus that are in the phonebook.

Yes, it's just a shame that we have to go to an outside source for
conversion.  I had checked with our computer center to be sure we had a
tape drive that was compatible before ordering the tape.  But that was
several months ago, and by the time the tape came (you can only order
the serials holdings product at certain times in the year) the c.c. had
dismantled the tape drive since they felt they had no further need of
it.  <sigh>  

Thanks to all who sent vendor names and suggestions. 

//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\
Stacy Pober                   mailto: spober at manhattan.edu
Information Alchemist         http://www.manhattan.edu/library/
Manhattan College Libraries   Voice: 718-862-7166
Riverdale, NY 10471           Fax:   718-862-7995
//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\//\\

------------------------------