NOTIS labels for periodicals Belinda Chiang 26 Sep 1995 18:57 UTC
I posted this note in notis-l and got numerous responses. Several colleagues suggested that I also post this in serialst. Please delete this note if you are not interested or have already read it. Queens College Library has devised an efficient program of printing NOTIS labels for LC classified periodicals. Previously, periodicals labels were handwritten after items have been checked in on NOTIS. There are several problems associated with both check in and handwritten labels: (1) Staff have to check stacks routinely prior to claiming since there are cases when the enter key was not pressed after checking in but the handwritten labels were produced and issues went to the stacks, (2) writing labels slows down periodicals processing, is frequently error prone, and the handwriting is sometimes hard to read. NOTIS labels can be produced from either the copy holdings and the item record. NOTIS labels produced from the copy holdings record have only the call number. To ensure that labels are placed on correct titles, each label must be affixed to the item as soon as it is printed. This tends to slow down the check in process. We opt to create an item record with very brief and abbreviated titles entered in the ENUM/CHRON field with each line separated by a semicolon.(We do not circulate periodicals). When NOTIS labels are generated from the item record, brief title appears under the call number to facilitate matching labels with correct title. We also input ******; before the brief title for separation of the call number and the abbreviated title. This procedure enables staff to concentrate on checking in and later affix the labels when check in is completed either by themselves or by lower level staff. Several label production function keys are programmed for various locations which start from the opr after check in. Each function key automatically executes the following: (1) Enter to ensure issues are recorded on opr, (2) retrieve copy holdings record, (3) type item 1, pause for possible change, then press Enter, (4) at item record, type labl and press Enter, (5) Edit label display, replacing NOTIS holdings code with appropriate location designation. Since the implementation of this new procedure, our periodicals processing speed has doubled. Additionally, the printed labels are legible, attractive, and free of error. Since the label production function key must be executed from opr after items are checked in and consists of the enter command, we no longer need to worry about items going to the stacks without being actually recorded in opr. This greatly expedited the claiming process by eliminating checking stacks prior to claiming. If you are interested in more details and examples about the above, you can send a request to me by e-mail (becqc@cunyvm) or fax: (718) 997-3753. I will send detailed procedures to you via e-mail. Belinda Chiang Head, Bibliographic Access Services Queens College, CUNY