[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Call Number Prefix and Suffix

[Kathy Lussier]

Hi Josh,

The question of whether the Call Number Shelf Browse should sort by 
prefix then call number or should just sort by call number is one that 
has been raised in the past. I thought there was a Launchpad bug on it, 
but I must have been thinking of this one - 
https://bugs.launchpad.net/evergreen/+bug/1150939 - where the idea was 
mentioned, but was not part of the code that was merged.

I think some of it comes down to philosophical differences on what the 
shelf browse should be doing. It could be:

* A virtual shelf browse displaying materials a library has in the same 
call number range, regardless of where it is shelved in the actual 
library. A user who is looking at a record on global warming, then, 
could use the shelf browse to find similar materials, and would quickly 
find another title of interest that may be shelved in the Young Adult 
copy location or in the New Books section. The ability to find these 
materials in multiple locations of the library is useful

* A reflection of the physical shelving arrangement in the library. In 
this case, it replicates the experience of browsing those shelves in the 
library, and reduces occurrences where an adult user is suddenly 
presented with a list of picture books on this topic.

I can see pros and cons for both sorting methods.

For those libraries that want the shelf browse to sort by the latter 
method, there are still reasons why they might want to store the prefix 
in its own, designated prefix field. One reason our libraries wanted to 
use separate prefixes, for example, was to make it easier to do 
reporting on call number ranges.

For staff client interfaces, there are times I find it useful to have 
the affixes and parts display in separate columns. Since I'm working on 
system where there is a mix of prefix use, it helps me see whether what 
I'm seeing is indeed a separate prefix or if it's part of the call 
number label. I do want to point out that it's possible to sort by 
prefix, then call number in most staff client interfaces. I haven't 
checked to see if we'll have the same ability in the web client.

I agree that this information should display in the full details of item 
status.

Kathy




On 03/07/2016 04:51 PM, Hardy, Elaine wrote:
>
> Josh,
>
> A key purpose of the prefix and the suffix is so that the call number 
> sorts WITHOUT them That way, for example, Dewey class numbers are 
> together regardless if they are R745.66 or 745.66 or J745.66. This is 
> important for those libraries that use call number browse to ensure 
> that they have unique call numbers and that a call number assigned to 
> different editions are correct. That way, you get:
>
> If you want your call numbers to sort including the prefix and suffix, 
> just use put them in the call number and don’t use prefixes or suffixes.
>
> However, I would consider not showing the complete call number, 
> including prefixes and suffixes, in Alt view of Item status to be a bug.
>
> Elaine
>
> J. Elaine Hardy
>
> PINES & Collaborative Projects Manager
> Georgia Public Library Service
> 1800 Century Place, Ste 150
> Atlanta, Ga. 30345-4304
>
> 404.235.7128 Office
> 404.548.4241 Cell
> 404.235.7201, fax
> ehardy at georgialibraries.org
> www.georgialibraries.org/pines
>
> *From:* Open-ils-general 
> [mailto:open-ils-general-bounces at list.georgialibraries.org] *On Behalf 
> Of *Josh Stompro
> *Sent:* Monday, March 7, 2016 3:44 PM
> *To:* open-ils-general at list.georgialibraries.org
> *Subject:* [OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Call Number Prefix and Suffix
>
> Hello All, We have been using the Call Number Prefix and Suffix 
> feature since shortly after we went live, we use it to add prefixes 
> like “DVD”, “CD”, “BOOK-ON-CD”, “LP” (Large Print) and we are just 
> realizing the issues that come along with it.  I’m curious if it is 
> considered feature complete or if anyone is still working on it.  It 
> could be that we are using it incorrectly also, which I would like to 
> hear.
>
> The core problem is that the prefix isn’t included in many interfaces 
> as being a part of the call number, since the value from 
> asset.call_number.label is grabbed without trying to add in the prefix 
> and suffix.
>
> Call number browse in the catalog doesn’t work like we would expect, 
> if someone wants to browse all the DVD’s by call number, it isn’t 
> possible since the prefix isn’t included in the data that the browse uses.
>
> Anything with a column picker requires that the prefix and suffix 
> columns also be selected to be able to view the full call number, 
> which makes sorting by call number more complex in those interfaces.
>
> Item Status doesn’t show the call number with the prefix in the 
> alternate view.
>
> Are there any plans to include the Prefix and Suffix into the call 
> number as a whole?  Or does it work like it currently works for a 
> specific reason?  I don’t really know enough about this to know how we 
> should proceed, so any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Josh
>
> Lake Agassiz Regional Library - Moorhead MN larl.org
>
> Josh Stompro     | Office 218.233.3757 EXT-139
>
> LARL IT Director | Cell 218.790.2110
>

-- 
Kathy Lussier
Project Coordinator
Massachusetts Library Network Cooperative
(508) 343-0128
klussier at masslnc.org
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kmlussier

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