New cataloger training

Summary: Resources for training a new copy or original cataloger in the basics of descriptive work.

Suggested training progression & resources

TS employee basics

Some of this will overlap with the HR orientation checklist, but this makes sure TS-specific info is also included.

• tour of the building & introductions
• keys and entrances and library hours
• units within Tech Services and their purpose
• tour of the TS area
• CMS meetings
• larger library organization
• intranet and staff directory
• safety info
• sysdoc, facilities, supplies, ergo
• any computer training needed? Office Suite, etc.?
• send out introductory email
• a review of the annual evaluation process
• time tracking
• leave --> EBS
• hours worked --> SMART system (for CTs only)
• University policies
• other HR checklist stuff

Cataloging theory and practice overview

• principles
  • FRBR/LRM --> mapping entities & relationships between them in the bibliographic universe
  • neutrality --> historical expectation of catalogers, but much more complex than that
  • access --> accommodating different types of searching, online and in person
• types of standards
  • descriptive standards
  • encoding standards
  • controlled vocabularies & authority control
  • classification
• cooperative cataloging & shared records
• library database software
• distinction between copy and original cataloging
  • local parameters surrounding LA III and LA IV work
• cataloging aids -- cheat sheets, bookmarks, etc.

Cataloging standards in depth

• Organizations that contribute to and maintain cataloging standards & practice

  • Library of Congress (LC) 

    • not truly a national library, but still viewed as an authoritative body for policy shaping and procedures

    • creator of:
      • LC classification scheme
      • LC subject headings (controlled vocabulary)
      • LC genre/form terms (controlled vocabulary)

  • Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC)

    • sponsored by LC cataloging division, home to:

    • Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO)

      • oversees creation and maintenance of name authority records
    • Subject Authority Cooperative Program (SACO)
      • subject authority records
    • BIBCO -- standard for highest-quality bibliographic records
  • RDA Steering Committee (RSC)
    • international cooperative group maintaining RDA

  • OCLC

    • host of WorldCat database & creator of Connexion cataloging client
    • usually no direct role in shaping cataloging policy, but so many institutions subscribe to their database that OCLC quality control and data practices heavily inform routine cataloging practice
    • ongoing work to perform quality control of and programmatic enhancements to records in the WorldCat database
• RDA for copy catalogers
• RDA resources
  • Toolkit
  • Maxwell
• MARC bibliographic basics (6 min)
• Introduction to MARC tagging (40 min)
• Purpose of controlled vocabs and authority work
• Introduction to LCSH webinar
• Authority control YouTube series
• MARC authority control tutorial

Sierra specifics

• types of records in Sierra
  • item
  • order
  • check-in
  • authority
  • bib
  • diagram of these records and their interactions:

• Sierra settings & preferences
• indexing 
• searching
• public catalog display
• Create Lists

Connexion training

• Client overview
• Module 1 - WorldCat, MARC, and Client Basics (1 hr 40 min)
• Module 2 - Basic Bibliographic Searching (1 hr 14 min)
• Module 3 - Basic Editing & Record Processing (1 hr 47 min)
• Module 4 - Save Files, File Management, and Batch Processing (1 hr 18 min)
  • can skip batch processing if desired!
• Module 5 - Automation and Customization (1 hr 22 min)
  • discuss constant data
• Module 6 - Editing Master Records (1 hr 26 min)
• Module 7 - Advanced Bibliographic Searching (1 hr 49 min)
• Module 8 - Original Cataloging (1 hr 42 min)
• Module 9 - Authority Control (1 hr 25 min)

Connexion practice

• search for records using:
  • copycat problem backlog
  • shelf-ready problems
  • T Locs
• attaching holdings
• 949 strings and exporting

Local practice and workflows

• an overview of how resources travel to and from your desk (blue actions handled by Acquisitions):

• what all those flags mean
• physical processing
  • locations & stamping
  • writing in call numbers
  • CP labeling truck
  • RUSH process and shelves
• monographic multivolume materials
• continuing resources (at least a basic overview)
• this position's specific responsibilities & workflows

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Recommended bookmarks

General info

• New employee checklist
• Library intranet
• Staff photos
• Sysdoc
• Facilities
• Ergonomic evaluation
• Hours worked tracking (CTs only)
• Leave tracking
• Library organizational chart
• Tech Services organizational chart
• Webmail  

Cataloging

• MSUL public catalog
• Connexion client training
• MARC bibliographic fields (or "Bib formats," maintained by OCLC)
• MARC code lists 
• ClassWeb
• ClassWeb how-tos
• Cataloger’s Desktop
• RDA
  • RDA guidelines for core elements
  • RDA instructions for abbreviations for parts
• OCLC encoding levels
• Cataloging calculator 

Helpful MSUL TS procedures for beginners

• Call numbers
• Copy cataloging (general guidelines)
• Location chart
• Post-cataloging processing
• Publication dates for monographs
• RDA record elements
• Same or new manifestation?
• Training & reference materials
• 949 commands

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