Webcats

Summary: This procedure covers one-time cataloging of free, individual web resources requested by selectors (colloquially referred to as "webcats").

Submitting requests

• Selector creates an “order” by completing and submitting the above form, which sends a request to: ecatrequest@lib.msu.edu.
• The form requests:
  • the resource URL, as it should appear in the catalog
  • a title as apparent to someone viewing the record
  • the HTML tag title
  • selectors' initials
  • a fund code

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Acquisitions processing

• Check forms delivered to the ecatrequest mailbox
• Log onto the staff interface
• Search for type of records desired
• Click on the ticket number
• Cut and paste from the information supplied by the selector.
• Separate bib and order templates, both called wburl, will supply constant data
  • There must be a minimum of a title and URL for each bib record created.
• No searching required for:
  • Duplication
  • Add process
  • OCLC copy

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Acquisitions URL verification

After records are created:

• Right click on URL
• Click “Open URL” to make sure the URL works
• Review the URL for accuracy. 

If the URL works:

• ensure title given by the selector nominally matches the result they obtained by using the URL
• mark the form in the ecatrequest file as complete

If the URL doesn't work:

• suppress bib record with code n
• in item record note field, add [today’s date] Returned to selector, [initials]
• return order to selector
• mark ecatrequest form with appropriate error status
• email selector reporting the problem
  • selector will respond via ecatrequest form
• when correction is received, update and unsuppress bib record
• mark ecatrequest form complete

If cataloger reports broken URL:

• locate original request
• change status from complete to appropriate status
• follow up as detailed above

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Cataloging

• Search in the "o" control number index for “Webcat” to retrieve list of titles awaiting cataloging
• Consult cataloging procedures for specific kinds of e-resources as needed
• If a URL breaks after input and before cataloging:
  • suppress bib with code n
  • change 001 to "Webcat problem"
  • add 590 note explaining the problem.
  • email selector listed in order record requesting a new URL and
    • copy Acquisitions staff responsible for Webcats.
    • Acquistions staff will coordinate with selector

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Other issues

For titles that can't be cataloged:

• Enter Webcat problem in 001 field to allow these records to be assigned as a separate workflow.

Duplicates:

• Report to the Head of Acquisitions to be removed.

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