Re: Microfiche Sam A. Khosh-khui 10 Nov 1992 21:21 UTC
Here at the Albert B. Alkek Library, Southwest Texas State University, we catalog and classify all microfiche titles. Microfiche titles are classified in the LC system in the same manner as titles in other formats. Generally, most of these titles are cataloged under their specific title not as a set. There may be a few exceptions. For instance, Oregon microfiches are cataloged individually not as a set. Each single fiche is kept in an envelope with the title and call number typed on the envelope. Titles having two or more fiche have "pt.1", "pt.2", etc. added to the call number on the pocket. Also, the title are followed by the information in brackets: "[Pt. ... of ...]" to correspond with each individual fiche. All parts of the single title are kept in the transparent plastic jacket that they arrived in. Titles are arranged by call number in drawers specifically designed for microfiche and they are open to public. The cataloging information on each specific title is available to patrons in the online public access catalog. If you are worried that you may not may not direct users to the larger set by maintaining such arrangements, create some form of authority record for the set to guide users to look for individual titles. Also, if you are concerned about how to handle situations where patrons separate the fiche from the sleeves, write the call no. above the eye-readable portion of the fiche. Some fiche sets such as Oregon Microfiches have the class number at the top. Normally we don't add the call number to the fiche itself and we rely upon the call number on individual sleeve. If they get separated from their envelopes, the call number can be located in the online system. I should add that there are some exceptions. Some fiche arrive without pockets. For those, we keep a supply of pockets on hand. Some fiche arrive with several fiche inside one pocket. We process them in individual pockets. Some titles, such as ERIC, do not go into pockets at all. They are placed into the fiche drawers without pockets and the range of document numbers, first and last of that batch, is recorded for the patrons. CIRR microfiches do receive individual pockets. We have created a program on one of the apple computers that prints envelopes for certain titles, then the variable information is manually added to the call number. Finally, our microform area is open to public. To minimize the problem of separation of fiche from the envelope, patrons are directed by signs not to reshelve the fiche but rather to return them to the personnel desk. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sam A. Khosh-khui, Ph. D. BITNET: SK03@SWTEXAS * * Serials Cataloging Librarian PHONE: 512/245-2288 * * Albert B. Alkek Library FAX: 512/245-3002 * * Southwest Texas State University * * San Marcos, Texas 78666-4604 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *