SENIOR COPY CATALOGER WORKFLOW

Take book from member copy shelves or truck.  Search in system for catalog record or updated catalog record.

Search book on OCLC.  If LC or better member copy is found, overlay record in system and update holdings on OCLC.  If a search on OCLC fails to produce better copy a senior copy cataloger may also search RLIN through the Fondren Library homepage on the web (under Indexes/Databases) for good copy from non-OCLC member libraries.

If item is cataloged as a serial, give it to Serials Cataloger.

If item is cataloged as an analytic, give item to Analytics Cataloger.

If item is cataloged as an incomplete set, give it to Sets Cataloger.

If item is a non-DLC or non-GMC class sep, give to the Class Sep cataloger.

If item is for WRC, give to the Senior Copy Cataloger designated to handle WRC materials.

If cataloging copy is new LC with call number, complete cataloging according to standard procedures.

If cataloging copy is LC without call number, check LC schedules to determine correct classification and complete cataloging according to standard procedures.

If cataloging copy is pre-ISBD, check call number and subject headings for validity according to current LC practice.

If record is member copy, check description for completeness and accuracy.  If copy is minimal level, briefly examine book for content to determine appropriateness of subject headings.  Correct and/or add subject headings as necessary using LCSH, Subject Cataloging Manual, and CSBs as guides.  Use LC classification schedules to assign or verify correct class number.  Edit record as necessary.  If minimal copy lacks both call number and subject headings, or if cataloger cannot determine the accuracy of copy because of lack of language and/or subject expertise, the item may be passed on to original catalogers.

Records without copy

If a related edition is found on OCLC, input a record for new edition on OCLC using new command.  Edit description to reflect new edition, check access points for authorities, subject headings for current validity, and call number for accuracy before adding new record to the OCLC database.  After updating record to OCLC, overlay provisional record in our system.

If the book without copy is of pre-MARC date (pre 1968), search in NUC.  If LC copy is found there, input the record on OCLC using Bibliographic Formats and Standards as a guide.  Use currently valid forms of names and series, subject headings, and class number.  Description may be left as is or in rare cases changed entirely to AACR2 form.  Add record to OCLC and overlay in system.

If it is a work of fiction, input a new record on OCLC following AACR2 rules for access points and description.  If author number is not established by LC, construct a number using LC class schedules and checking call number index for conflicts.  Add record to OCLC and overlay in system.

Other books without copy send to original catalogers.