Centralized cataloging and processing for public library consortia

A consortium of small public libraries share an OPAC, an interlibrary loan system, and maintain reciprocal borrowing among its patrons. A study was conducted for this consortium to investigate whether or not it would benefit from centralized processing. Raw data show that the consortium should be able to save money with a centralized processing unit. However, there are other factors involved that may influence the implementation of such a process. This article reports the findings and outcome of that study.