News & Updates

Cataloging hacks: item record by collection spreadsheet

Late Christmas gift? Help with a new year resolution? If all you ever wanted for Christmas was a sense of order, this spreadsheet’s for you! I’ve noticed some libraries lack a good tool for keeping track of how to add item records for different kinds of materials housed in different collections. When I started cataloging at Peter White Public Library, I was lucky.  I inherited an Excel workbook that had evolved over the years, enhanced by a series of clever catalogers who preceded me.     If I were expected to … read more Cataloging hacks: item record by collection spreadsheet→

Posted on December 27, 2024 in The cat's meow :|b cataloging tips

Adding “things” (Part 1)

What do you think? Library of things:  scary challenge or fun challenge? Searching for a bib record for a “thing” is much the same as searching for a record for a book. I search Workflows for both the title and the barcode number on the package in Call Number and Item Maintenance.  I use Title / Browse search parameters for the title and General / Keyword to search on the packaging barcode number.  If you’re looking for a popular board game, learning toy, or Wilton cake pan, chances are we … read more Adding “things” (Part 1)→

Posted on August 15, 2024 in The cat's meow :|b cataloging tips

Beware of bootlegs

Watch out!   OK, I exaggerate.  Adding a bootleg copy of a DVD to your collection won’t burn down the house (or the library).  But sharing illegally made copies does infringe on copyright; in other words, sharing illegal copies is, well, illegal.  Because our shared catalog is public and easy to search, and because large production companies like Disney and Netflix do care about their intellectual property, adding bootleg copies could lead to a cease and desist letter.  The production company would have grounds to sue if you didn’t cease … read more Beware of bootlegs→

Posted on June 10, 2024 in The cat's meow :|b cataloging tips