I feel that I have tremendous disadvantages with cataloging as the automation system at my school is very limited in capabilities, the budget has been non existent or minimal and time to perform these tasks is overtaken by teaching responsibilities. I have been looking forward to this unit as I am hoping that it will help me to deal with some of these ongoing issues in my school library.
I feel like my library is an example of why organizing information is "paramount to access" as stated on page 13 of Catalog It!
The library was staffed by a library media specialist in the early days and then only by a library aide for several years until I was hired about 6 years ago. Many of the MARC records are incomplete, inaccurate or just plain wrong! The system doesn't help the situation as it initially was created for a business library and not a school library. Unfortunately, lack of library funding has made it impossible to update or change the system. I am hoping to learn more about open source systems and possibly convert to one in the future.
In Chapter two copy cataloging is discussed. I am fairly familiar with this and have used this process in my library. When I place new orders with a vendor such as Follett or Baker & Taylor, I receive bibliographic records from them; otherwise I use copy cataloging. This chapter gives some insightful information about using the library of congress for copy cataloging and states that although it is authoritative, it's not always the best source for copy cataloging.
I am interested to try the other free databases that are mentioned on page 18 to see if they are compatible with my library system. I know that the system does not allow me to copy and paste information. Of the sites mentioned, I was previously familiar with BOCES and Sunlink (who I have used for the weed of the month) and OCLC.
Chapter 3 is where I get confused! The example for a MARC record on page 29 is a helpful visual. The cataloging that I have done up to this point is what has been called "easy cataloging" as I have not had formal training but instead have picked up knowledge from my experience in the public library and also in school libraries. I think this is where I need the hands on help!
I hear you, Anita! We had an OLD version of Athena when I got to my school 5 years ago. No tech support, hacked up records... And this was with a really good LMS proceeding me. I switched to KOHA (open source) this year through MassCat. I have had MassCat for years for on online version of the OPAC (I used it for cataloging, but we used Athena for circ) and when they offered to switch me to KOHA I jumped at the opportunity with an eye towards maybe going off on my own with it later. Well, I don't think I have the skills to run it on my own, but it is a nice system. LibLime offers a tech package and I don't know what the cost is - but it might be worth it to help you start up.
ReplyDeleteBuying records has been such a time saver. I was resistant at first because of the money, but when I think of the time I save!
If nothing else, K&R should make you feel better about the time you are able to spend on cataloging with their attitude that cataloging should serve you and not the other way around!