CATALOG DEPARTMENT

Goals

To support the instructional, research, and public service mission and goals of Ingram Library and the State University of West Georgia (B&B3,8,9, VG1,4), the Catalog Department has the following goals:

1. Develop and enhance the online catalog, a database of machine-readable bibliographic and holdings records representing the holdings of the library and selected electronic information resources.

· Create accurate, high quality records for new materials in all formats as quickly as possible; this includes adhering to national standards

· Increase retrospective conversion of microforms, with priority given to original source material

· Continue retrospective conversion of older federal documents

· Continue adding records for electronic journals purchased by the library

· Develop better guidelines for accuracy and consistency in creation of holdings statements for multi-volume monographs and serials, following national standards and state recommended guidelines.

· Provide physical access to collections through accurate location information and labeling of materials

Assessment: user surveys, feedback and error reports from library staff and users, statistics reflecting number of items added

2. Organize library's holdings to meet local needs and to facilitate retrieval and optimal use.
• Assign call numbers according to Library of Congress or other appropriate scheme
• Work cooperatively with other librarians to ensure appropriate items are placed in Reference or special locations
• Continue long-term project to reclassify older fiction into Library of Congress
• Continue long-term project to reclassify cataloged microforms into Library of Congress

Assessment: statistics on projects, error reports from library staff, user surveys

3. Maintain records in the online catalog for accuracy of holdings and location, as well as accuracy and consistency in retrieval of name and subject information.

· Correct errors and resolve problems in existing records as they are found

· Keep up-to-date with authority control processes, which is also essential for shared catalog in the University System

Assessment: error reports

4. Contribute to resource sharing efforts at all levels, including the University System of Georgia's shared catalog (Universal Catalog), Georgia Online Database (GOLD), and GALILEO.

· Create and maintain current holdings in OCLC's serials union listing system, which supports inter-library loan and provides the link to holdings feature in many periodical indexes in GALILEO. Follow OCLC and GOLD guidelines, which are based on options in ANSI/NISO Z39.71 standards

· Contribute through committees in development of GIL, GOLD union listing, and GALILEO

Assessment: presence on appropriate committees, error reports from OCLC and GOLD

Supporting goals

1. Develop a team of competent, knowledgeable and committed staff
• Recruit individual for support staff position for copy cataloging and special projects
• Provide in-depth training for new staff and student assistants
• Encourage professional development of staff
• Encourage communication and teamwork between staff and staff in other departments
• Encourage participation in library and state-wide committees
• Maintain and increase knowledge of standards and their applications

2. Optimize use of available technology to achieve objectives

· Make effective use of OCLC, local system, and other vendor services, software, and hardware

· Prepare for new OCLC cataloging system

3. Develop and maintain department web pages

· Create accurate and complete procedures for staff and students

· Develop aids to enhance effective use of online catalog

· Develop and maintain list of resources to assist in all aspects of cataloging