Cataloging+Principles+and+Policies

=Introduction= The Buley Library Cataloging Department is responsible for creating bibliographic records for the materials in the library using descriptive and subject analysis, and making those records available to users through the library catalog. In addition, the Department physically processes library materials to make them available for patron use, removes items from the catalog when they are no longer part of the collection, and maintains authority control over the catalog. The Cataloging Department is a member of the CSU Catalog Database Maintenance Group and has established some procedures in coordination with the four other consortium member libraries. (CCSU, ECSU, WCSU, Connecticut State Library)

Buley Library Standards
In general, the Library uses Library of Congress Classification and Subject Headings. The juvenile fiction collection is classified using a local Cutter-based classification, and other special collections use varied adapted LC class systems. The CONSULS catalog is a component of the Innovative Interfaces Inc. integrated library system. The library subscribes to the OCLC bibliographic utility using the Connexion interface. Bibliographic records are maintained in USMARC format and cataloging conforms to AACR2R 2002 standards.

Using Shared Bibliographic Records
Participation in shared cataloging efforts allow catalogers to avoid repeating work that has already been done and makes new work available to others. Holdings information for material acquired by the library is added to the OCLC database WorldCat, to be included in the bibliographic records of millions of monographs and other materials input by thousands of libraries around the world. Buley catalogers contribute to WorldCat by adding new records for unique material and editing and upgrading existing records as appropriate. Standard information for each record includes title, statement of responsibility, physical description, series statement, date and place of publication and special notes and standard numbers. Of utmost importance to catalog users are the subject headings chosen for a work and the LC call number which gives it a place on the shelf. Call numbers and subject headings in WorldCat may be edited to better serve Buley Library users.

Cataloging Policies

 * In most cases, materials are cataloged in the order in which they are received.
 * "Rush" materials are cataloged upon receipt and are left at the circulation desk for pickup within one work day of receipt.
 * Gift materials are cataloged following review by subject selectors.
 * SCSU honors theses, bound masters theses and dissertations will be cataloged for inclusion in the Theses collection.
 * Books will be sent to bindery as needed. In-house repairs will be done when possible. Items in poor physical condition may be de-accessioned or removed to protected shelving as recommended by the special collections librarian (Collection Development/Acquisitions Librarian will oversee re-ordering of de-accessioned material).
 * Patrons may request materials that display "in process" in the OPAC. They will be cataloged for use and left at the circulation desk for pick-up within one work day of the request.

RUSH ITEMS
Any catalog department member may receive a "rush" book request. If assigned cataloger is not available staff members present will agree on a person to follow through with rush cataloging request. Any available cataloger should catalog rush items.

GIFTS
Gifts are cataloged as received, within the same time frame of receipt as purchased books, unless a request for rush treatment is made. Gifts are distributed to catalogers in the same way that new materials are distributed. Order and Item records are created at the time of receipt from selectors and bibs and items are edited by catalogers.