Cataloging+Tools

=Cataloging Tools=

Most of us OPL's don't have a technical services department that will help us with cataloging. Although we can get services from vendors, not all of us can justify the expense to our supervisors. "Copy cataloging" is rather common in our environment. But there are occasions when we have to do original cataloging, such as custom books. Below are links to websites that will help you catalog books.

Copy Cataloging is great for one who is not an expert cataloger or who does not have the resources of Sears or LCSH. Although the Library of Congress (LC) has one of the largest catalogs in the world, there are items that LC excludes. LC does not catalog low volume publications, irregular printings and most significantly no custom books. To find a bibliographic record for a custom book, one needs to search beyond the Library of Congress. Below are a couple of other catalogs to help find a record of the LC excluded items.


 * Name || Link || Description ||
 * LC Cutter Tables || [] || From Princeton University, these are guidelines for using the LC Online Shelflist and formulating a literary author number for spine label and LC Classification. ||
 * LC Catalog Searching - Basic Search || [] || This link will allow you to search the Library of Congress Holdings. It will allow you to validate the LC classification code that you have for a particular item ||
 * WorldCat from OCLC || [] || A catalog of bibliographic records from OCLC's database. This database will include titles that may not be found in the Library of Congress. ||
 * Convert Dewey to LC || [] || This is a conversion table that will offer some help in converting Dewey classification numbers to the LC system. However, it uses only commonly used DDC's and so it is not totally comprehensive. ||
 * Florida Electronic Library || [] || Using your Public Library card (barcode number) to a Florida library, you can gain access to WorldCat and its bibliographic database. It may be easier to use this as your portal to WorldCat rather than going in directly. ||
 * Classify || @http://classify.oclc.org/classify2/ || This is an experimental OCLC cataloging site to find Dewey and LC Numbers. You can input an ISBN, Title, Author, Subject, and it will help generate a call number. ||

Now that the old card catalog has been replaced by computer software, we now have "library management systems". This is software that offers functions including circulation control and notices, gateways to other database you may subscribe and an online public access catalog (OPAC). Below is a list of a few library management systems that are tailored for smaller enterprise libraries.
 * Library Management Systems**


 * Name || Link || Description ||
 * Koha || [] || Koha is an open source Library management system. Although not exclusive to Liblime, they have for many years promoted open source software for libraries and offered support for these programs. ||
 * Primasoft Small Library Organizer || [] || This is an inexpensive library management program. It is a resident program so you have to load it on a local drive. ||
 * Auto Librarian || [] || Another inexpensive library management system ($369). However, MARC compatibility and OPAC modules are premium upgrades for purchase. Also available is a web based version. ||
 * LibraryWorld || [] || This library management system is a "cloud" product ($425/yr.). They host the data and software for you, which offers better accessibility. OPAC version is included and records are MARC compliant. ||
 * Destiny || [] || A few years ago, Follett bought up many of the small enterprise library management companies. They have retired those products and have introduced Destiny. Pricing is dependent upon the client's needs. ||