A Behind the Scenes Look

Don't think I am complaining, because I really love this stuff.  I just want to give you a little snapshot of some of the "behind the scenes" activities that occur or need to occur to keep the library running efficiently.  A lot of these activities need to wait until summer, simply because I don't have time or won't take time to do them during the school day.

What I have done so far.

The picture to the right represents books that I have relabeled or recataloged so far this summer.  Labels fall off or are picked off, and often need to be replaced.  While the process is not hard, it is time consuming. It involves these steps:

1. Verify the proper call number;
2. Find a preprinted call number that matches the book ( I usually have a folder of these preprinted, just in case, or
3. Add the copy to a print list in Destiny and printing the needed labels..
4. Apply the label.
5. Apply the color-code label atop the call label (i,e., green for easy reading; purple for picture books.)
6. Tape everything down well.
7. Reshelve.

Recataloging requires an extra step or two and is sometimes necessary when the original cataloging is incorrect or no longer meets the needs of the children who are using the books.  An example of this might be a series of books written by different authors, like Scooby-Doo or Batman.  Rather than shelve these books by the author's last name, the books will be shelved under the series name.  It just makes more sense than sending a kid all over the library to look for more in the series at this particular age.  Maybe for all ages.  We should be convenient.

Deciding to recatalog is a decision that only I will make for our library, although I certainly accept input if someone, adult or child, thinks something is wrong.  Once I make the decision to recatalog, I can train volunteers to do the actual data entry to make the reclass happen.  Once books are reclassified, volunteers can follow the steps above to correctly label the book and get it ready for the kids.

Most of the books that are purchased for the library are pre-cataloged.  This means that the computer record (bibliographic MARC record) for the book is provided by the vendor, and that the information for the specific book is attached.  The books come with barcode labels and call labels in place.  In this case, my steps include downloading the MARC records and importing it into the Destiny database;
correcting any incorrect cataloging; stamping the new books; and applying a card pocket and Reading Counts label, if applicable.

The most time-consuming scenario involves books that are purchased from the book fairs or from donations.  Sometimes I am able to find records for these books;  sometimes other records can be tweaked to work, but sometimes original cataloging is needed.  This is an involved process, if done properly.  It means completely as much of a MARC record, as shone at right, as possible.  Once the record is complete and the copy is added, labels can be printed. Complete processing includes checking for Reading Counts quizzes, added card pockets, stamping new books, applying section labels, and putting protective Mylar covers on the books.  When it is all said and done, processing one new book can take as long as 40 minutes.

So that is the long and short of maintaining a collection.  I am super-picky now as we are preparing to move into a new library in another year.  Taking time to fix these issues now will make for a smoother transition when the time come.