Offline MULS lists - an update
We have continued to receive requests for offline lists of holdings from MULS libraries throughout our region. In the past, many libraries have used an offline list as a starting point for updating holdings in MULS/OCLC, since the list helped provide a direct comparison of both the titles and the holdings summary data in OCLC with the libraries own holdings data. These lists were known in OCLC jargon as "SULOP printouts," (Serials Union List Offline Products).
For a number of reasons - some related to the migration of Union List activity to the Connexion Browser - SULOP products were discontinued at the end of 2005. OCLC plans to create a new set of products to replace the old SULOP printouts (and other products), which will be more flexible and more useful to libraries.
At MINITEX we began to refer to this new batch of products as if it were a B movie from the 1960's - "the Son of SULOP."
A firm timeline has not been announced for the release of these new products, but an end of the year goal has been set. OCLC is working on a mix of projects and the SULOP replacement products will require unique program development.
In the B-movie metaphor, the "la-BOR-atory" remains quiet. We will let our participants know when lights have been seen in the old castle and the "Son of SULOP" begins to stir.