[LM_NET] HIT: Cataloging question-- call number

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@FWCDS.ORG>]

Thanks to everyone who confirmed what I knew was true (and had been arguing for the 
past two weeks) ----even with documentation --- your emails and links to school 
library collections are what I need to share with those who are cataloging 
incorrectly.

The prefixes or "indicators" (REF, VCT, DVD) in call numbers are used in 99% of the 
schools who responded to help indentify and classify materials within the 
collection.  

A few weeks ago I asked questions about Follett's Destiny program and then 
followed-up with a question about how to separate a collection that had been 
combined.  Our problem at that point was that there was NO WAY to run a collection 
report that would separate the two collections for a specific holdings count (that 
was being asked by the administration).  My frustration in trying to find ways to 
separate the collections to determine holdings finally centered around the easiest 
way ---- search by call number because the elementary collection used a prefix 
(indicator) within the call number.

When I realized that the call numbers were ALL incorrect (with REF at the end of a 
call number on a reference book, for example), I decided that I wanted to correct 
those records (a huge task but we would also be weeding and updating anyway).  But 
my recommendations were questioned because the cataloging had always been done THIS 
way---and not the standard way that are found in most library catalogs.

I needed examples that did not come from libraries where I once worked.  Your 
comments, links, and examples will be helpful in sharing that I am not the only 
person doing this in school libraries.  Your comments will also help in clarifying 
why this is one of the easiest ways to separate the collection, quickly identify 
the material type, and sort by type.

(And as a side note:  I also lost the battle with the cataloging department here 
when they wanted to classify ALL the dog books as 636.7 DOG and all the cat books 
as 636.8 CAT----because it was too hard to shelve by author's last name when the 
books are all on the same subject!!)

Thanks again!

~Shonda

Shonda Brisco, MLIS
US / Technology Librarian
4200 Country Day Lane
Fort Worth Country Day School
Fort Worth, TX
817.732.7718 ext. 339

"Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible and suddenly you are doing 
the impossible."
 ~St. Francis of Assisi
sbrisco@fwcds.org
http://www.fwcds.org/campus/libraries/default.asp

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------