Authority work in copy cataloging

Summary: Instructions for copy catalogers concerning authorized forms of names, series, subjects, etc.

Personal or corporate names

For any names not controlled (i.e., hyperlinked in Connexion)

• attempt to control heading in Connexion
  
  • insert appropriate heading if a clear choice is available 
  • replace OCLC master bibliographic record
• if no heading exists or seems to be a clear match, check form of name in local catalog for conflicts
  • if no conflict exists, catalog as is
  • if conflict exists, pass item to Head of Copy Cataloging for resolution

Lit numbers for authors

Some authors are assigned a specific P-range class number. If an author has an assigned lit number, it will appear in their authority record. 

• check established authors' authority records for lit numbers
• always use the established lit number in the copy record, if one exists
  • even if previous works by the author have been classed elsewhere in our library

Series

In general, MSUL has adopted Library of Congress's approach and will not maintain series tracings.

• accept all copy with 490 0_ untraced series, regardless of numbering or lack thereof

Subject and genre/form terms

In general, all 650 _0 and 655 _7 fields should be controlled in the master record.

• attempt to control such fields if needed
  • replace master record if successful
• if fields with this coding cannot be controlled, pass item to Head of Copy Cataloging for resolution