Reflection Paper Four

Cataloging and Technical Process

1. What automation system does the library you are in use and how was it funded?

 The library is part of the Montana Shared Catalog and uses Sirsi/Dynix for their automation system. The automation system is budgeted in at the beginning of the year.

2. If the library is not automated, is there a plan for an automation system and when is it hoped to come to fruition?

N/A

3. What percentage of cataloged items are copy cataloged and what percentage are original cataloged items?

85 to 90 percent.

4. Describe the library’s cataloging and technical processing. Does the library buy pre-cataloged items for the collection and if so from what company?

The library has several full time and part time catalogers who use OCLC to update and create library files, and who have the authority to change entries in the OCLC catalog. Records are purchased through OCLC. If records can't be found the original cataloging is done by the librarians.

5. Does the library use the OCLC system for cataloging? What is the average cost per year if used or is another digital tool used for cataloging assistance?

The library does use the OCLC system for cataloging quite extensively.

6. Does the library use the statistics generated from the automation system or other techniques for planning and other library purposes and if so how?

Yes, for weeding and collection development.

7. Is there a backlog of cataloging and processing? What contributes to this backlog? If there isn’t, what techniques are used to make sure that items don’t stack up?

The most backlog is a week. Six catalogers work on the incoming materials, so not much of a backlog happens, and they pride themselves on being efficient in this area.