The Research Libraries Information Network as a Public Service Tool at Stanford University Libraries

Bibliographic utilities, such as OCLC, RLIN, WLN, and UTLAS were developed, at least initially, to support automation of technical services functions. However, such utilities are increasingly used today for public service functions, especially reference and interlibrary loan. Yet to date little has been written regarding the public service use of bibliographic utilities. Blood (1977) examined the use of OCLC in reference settings, while Friedman (1980) looked at direct patron use of OCLC. Ojala (1978) reviewed, in some detail, the use of BALLOTS as a reference tool.