This syllabus for a continuing education course describes the OCLC system and considers how it can be used by health science libraries. The general governance and administrative structure of OCLC and its network affiliates are detailed, and the OCLC subsystems--online union catalog, serials, interlibrary loan, and acquisitions--and their major components are discussed. Future subsystems and enhancements are considered, and the cataloging work flow is detailed. The use of OCLC by the National Library of Medicine is described, and the advantages and disadvantages, as well as costs and benefits, of hospital library use of OCLC are detailed. Appendixes include a chart of the OCLC Governance Structure; examples of OCLC monograph, serials, and audiovisual records; sample monograph and interlibrary loan (ILL) record work forms; samples of ILL message waiting and response screens; a diagram of the cataloging work flow; a list of networks offering OCLC services; and a glossary of terms. (Author/EW)