Re: Classifying periodicals (Cecilia Leathem) Marcia Tuttle 07 Aug 1997 17:03 UTC
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Thu, 7 Aug 1997 11:22:51 -0400 From: Cecilia Leathem <cleathem@UMIAMI.IR.MIAMI.EDU> Subject: Re: Classifying periodicals Hello, I am responding to the list because I have received several queries since I initially reported that we are in the process of classifying our periodical collection. The decision to classify was not mine; it had been a dream of several of the Assistant Directors and they finally got up enough steam to get the project rolling. I believe some teaching faculty also prefer the classed arrangement although I have heard some grumbling from those ranks as they learn that we actually ARE classifying the periodicals and will reshelve them by call number rather than by by title. Some faculty prefer browsing by title. Some general information: We own 13,782 titles (approx. 4,500 are current) and 319,990 volumes. When we decided to classify periodicals we also needed to conduct a full retrospective conversion project because we had been generating a computer print-out of our titles and holdings. We never had provided full cataloging records for our periodicals. We did, however, have our union list holdings on OCLC. At the start of the project (Jan. 1996), we first added full bib records from OCLC via a tapeload from our union list activities. For those titles not in the union list tapes, we searched OCLC and exported bibliographic records into our online catalog (Innovative). Titles were not part of the union list tapes because 1)they were recent gift collections; 2)they were "dead" titles still under latest title entry and required multiple successive title entry records;3)our records were inaccurate. Generally, these were dead titles or gifts. When we added bib records, either via tapelaod or interactive search and export, we masked the LC (050) or locally-assigned LC (090) class number in a local field (098). The patrons could not see this field until we converted it to an 090 field in our catalog. We did this so that we could work on the records and prepare for the classification project. Catalogers provided class numbers and subject headings for those OCLC bib records which contained no appropriate classification or subject information. These numbered 1281 records, or just under 10% of of the collection. In addition, I provided original cataloging for 97 titles for which no OCLC record was found. I think the statistics bear out the tremendous value of the CONSER program; the presence of CONSER records certainly made our work easier! Next, students and some support staff created item records for each volume held by the library. Students then applied barcodes to all volumes. We are now at the stage of printing labels for each volume and applying them. This has proved to be the trickiest part of the project. We find we cannot successfully print all labels for titles with more than 30-40 volumes. We use III, which gives the choice of either printing one label at a time, or printing labels for ALL volumes at once. We find that giving the command to print labels for ALL volumes causes the printers to overheat if there are more than 40 volumes. The labels do not feed properly and begin to slip and the call number with volume and date info. does not print correctly. So far, we are printing labels only for those titles with fewer than 40 volumes. We are still seeking a solution to our problem. I have some preliminary information on the cost of carrying out the project. $13,782 -@$1.00 per bib record added to our catalog 5,760 -barcode labels 4,576 -spine labels 22,500 -student assistant wages 1,900 -estimated cost of 2 Okidata 395 Microline printers Other cost factors to consider include staff hours devoted to the project, OCLC search costs and miscellaneous costs such as paper supplies. I hope I have answered your questions but am happy to provide indiviuals with further information. Cecilia Leathem Head, Serials Cataloging Unit Otto G. Richter Library University of Miami P.O. Box 248214 Coral Gables, Fl 33124-0320 cleathem@umiami.ir.miami.edu Tel: (305) 284-4719 Fax: (305) 665-7352