[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Question about a small library without a catalog to migrate

[Elaine Hardy]

I want to echo Janet on not barcoding first and cleaning up inconsistent
call numbers or shelving locations as you go. You would only barcode first
if you had smart barcodes. A book left on the shelves with no barcode is a
good visual cue that it may not be in the bib database.

Also consider reassigning call numbers if you have areas that follow
outdated practice (for example, Dewey libraries used to class all books
about Native Americans in 970.1-970.6).  Develop local practices on
assigning call numbers and cutters and write them up!

Keep in mind that even correcting inconsistent call numbers may mean that
the books won't go back on the shelf in the order they came off, so plan
how you will handle books that are out of the range you are working on.

As Deborah said, keeping the library invisible and nonholdable until
everything is cataloged is best. Even then, make sure you have clear
guidelines on how to handle the inevitable uncataloged item that makes it
to the circ desk.



J. Elaine Hardy
PINES & Collaborative Projects Manager
Georgia Public Library Service/PINES
1800 Century Place, Ste. 150
Atlanta, GA 30045

404.235.7128 Office
404.548.4241 Cell
404.235.7201 FAX

On Wed, Sep 13, 2017 at 2:59 PM, Janet Schrader <jschrader at cwmars.org>
wrote:

> Hi Rose,
>
> I've worked with several libraries that added collections manually.
>
> Weeding is an excellent first step. Then deciding on locations. I
> recommend the fewer the better and use call numbers to designate where in
> the location items are.
>
> Do *not* barcode first. Barcode as the items are entered into the system.
> If you barcode first you won't know what's in or not (know this from
> experience). Also be sure not to confuse patron barcodes with item ones.
>
> Buy a scanner(s) that will read the ISBNs or UPC codes on the items and
> the barcodes you're using.
>
> Make sure the item templates are correct and everyone adding items uses
> the same ones. Create a set and export/import if there's more than one
> login.
>
> I think the easiest thing to start with is adult fiction. These titles are
> usually very straight forward. Then adult nonfiction, juvenile fiction and
> nonfiction, picture books, audiobooks, paperbacks, DVDs, and music CDs. I
> think that's the order of complexity for identifying matching bib records.
>
> Get a sheet or sheets of bright construction paper and use it to stick
> between the last item entered and the next. That way if more than one
> person works on the collection each knows where to continue.
>
> If you have to use volunteers, use ones you can trust to follow the rules,
> no deviations in how to enter call numbers, consistent schedule for
> working.
>
> If call number patterns are not consistent, now's a great time to make
> sure they are. I'm working with a library now that had 6 different patterns
> for audiobook and 5 different ones for picture book.
>
> You can run a report and open it in Excel to sort by barcodes, helps to
> find incorrect ones that are too long or too short or are ISBNs (it
> happens).
>
>
>
> Janet
>
> On Wed, Sep 13, 2017 at 1:50 PM, Schooff, Rose (LVA) <
> Rose.Schooff at lva.virginia.gov> wrote:
>
>>
>> Up until now we have only dealt with libraries that had established
>> catalogs.  I now have a very small library that only has a card catalog and
>> their books are not barcoded.
>>
>> Where do I start?  I know the new librarian has started with weeding and
>> that is always my first suggested step.
>>
>> Do we barcode the books first or as they are added to the Virginia
>> Evergreen Libraries catalog?
>>
>> I would think they would register patrons as they borrow books.
>>
>> Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.
>>
>> —
>> Rose M. Schooff
>> Technology Consultant
>> Library Development and Networking
>> The Library of Virginia
>> 800 E. Broad Street
>> Richmond, VA  23219
>> 804-692-3772 <(804)%20692-3772>
>> 804-310-7901 <(804)%20310-7901>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Janet Schrader
> BIbliographic Services Supervisor
> C/W MARS Inc.
> 67 Millbrook Street, Suite 201
> Worcester, MA
> tel: 508-755-3323 ext. 325 <(508)%20755-3323>
> fax: 508-757-7801 <(508)%20757-7801>
>
>
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