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The article offers information on the modern online public access catalog (OPAC) which is available on the Internet through WorldCat in the U.S. As stated, modern OPAC improves on previous catalogs with enhanced search capabilities and is accessible from any computer with an Internet connection. In addition, WorldCat.org offers an interface that displays search results that guide users to the nearest library that holds the item in question, thus allowing the user to find the quickest way of obtaining the item from a library.

The article reports on the significance of using library catalogs in the U.S. As stated, library catalogs help patrons become better searchers. They also identify errors, evaluate the needs of patrons and provides alternative search strategies that yield additional and higher quality information. It also make the search process more interactive. Catalogs could also list a few books from similar subject headings, nearby call numbers or even commonly checked out library materials. In addition, catalogs can adapt faster to the changing needs of patrons.

The article offers a report relating to the Oregon Digital Library Consortium. The section discusses how and why the association was formed, how it functions, and how it represents the libraries in the community. It provides informations about the public libraries of Oregon meeting during the Oregon Library Association conference, were they discuss the idea of combining resources to provide downloadable audio books to public library patrons in Oregon. It also reflects on several problems being experienced by the Oregon Digital Library Reserve since the opening of the Library 2 Go technological community.