SAGE Cataloging Committee August 2, 2010
Cataloging Committee meeting was hosted by Baker County Library. Minutes by Darlyne Johnson.
Present: Lindy Lloyd, Carmen Wickam (Baker County)
Members present by polycom or telephone: Laurie O’Connor (Harney County), Jenny Simpson (Nyssa Library) Christina Macklin (TVCC Library) Valeria Gardner, Darlyne Johnson (Ontario Library District)
Laurie O’Connor called the meeting to order at noon.
Identifying consistent cataloging errors and tracking /correcting sources
Flagging is not working. There are a lot of old records not completed. It was decided that there are still errors and it would be best to do a one on one way of correcting the errors. This is where you call the person making the mistakes and talk with them.
Laurie said we are still finding ongoing major errors, including edits to preexisting bibs that change the actual item description or material types. Catalogers do not always have the time to correct other libraries’ substandard bibs, and it would be best to help identify weak areas and train to prevent them. Lindy also suggested that we contact the cataloger doing the error. Beth suggested that we go to the regional mentors and not gang up on an individual.
Valeria said she would not mind someone calling her and letting her know what she was doing wrong so it could be corrected at that point. Christina suggested the if we find consistent problems from a particular library, please contact their regional mentor to help train less experienced catalogers. It was suggested that having a list of the contact cataloger for each library would be another solution to correcting substandard cataloging.
Beth mentioned that the system must have the library code if the bib is changed. 040 is the identification area—catalogers should always add their location code if they edit a bib in any way. Christina mentioned that the library indicators are only for OCLC members. Beth said that several years ago SAGE assigned codes to non-OCLC libraries, and we could use these for identification. Laurie suggested that we let the smaller libraries know how to do this, once the list is found and all libraries have a code.
Evergreen system will clearly show who is doing the cataloging. Valeria said if you don’t attach to the record you can create another bib. Dea said that records from Library of Congress hasve many errors also. Christina suggested that if we are going to revoke cataloging privileges based on inadequate training or substandard cataloging, we need to be sure and get everyone on board.
Training/mentoring opportunities
It was suggested that all catalogers need basic training to receive clearance for cataloging within SAGE, and that SAGE Council and this committee need to provide training opportunities within the region. Dea asked if all catalogers would be required to do this. It was agreed that anyone cataloging on SAGE must complete the basic trainings if they do not have other advanced certification, such as Book Blitz. Beth said someone would need to approach the school libraries with this proposal. Christina suggested we require this training by the end of October.
Laurie, Jenny, and Lindy will test 2 different online classes by mid August—Marc 21 from Marc of Quality and ABLE out of the Idaho library system. Dea will send them the links. They will make their recommendation for basic online class to the committee. Once required course is chosen, library directors will be notified—each library should make sure anyone cataloging completes the course, and gets signed up for sage-cat list. Every cataloger should have the training done by the end of October. Everyone was in favor of this basic training requirement.
Discussion of Lindy’s information about Book Blitz
Everyone wants to provide Book Blitz training in our region, but most agreed we should schedule it for early next spring, after our Evergreen conversion.
Evaluating/ identifying cataloging skill levels with SAGE system
Beth asked Christine if the survey had been sent on catalogers at each library. Christine said she would do it again as she had little response. Laurie asked Beth about the 2004 SAGE Council policy related to required trainings and retaining cataloging privileges in Sage. Minutes from that period are missing on the WIKI. Beth will locate the documentation and report at the next meeting. Cataloging committee needs to review the existing SAGE Council policy, and modify and resubmit to the Council for approval if necessary.
Laurie will be drafting new series statement guidelines, circulating for discussion and approval, and then Beth will post them on the manual in WIKI
Improving and encouraging communications for SAGE catalogers.
Laurie suggested that we post frequent cataloging reminders to everyone on the sage-cat list, to improve communication. We need to start doing weekly tips. Beth suggested that we do this after we have people trained. Laurie wondered who would be responsible for circulating them. Beth thought she could cut and paste them from the Evergreen Indiana site. We will start Evergreen training in Sept. weekly on the computer.
Preparing for Evergreen migration
Covered by Beth. On site visits probably in Sept. Lindy –Cat training with Althea, who will be able to attend the next meeting. Marc 21 for everyone. Use the manual. Beth was asked how much RDA will change our cataloging. Beth was not sure, but she will keep us posted.
Closing comments
Beth will update the sage-cat.list, and post potential issues/cleanups related to Evergreen conversion.
Christina will circulate the survey and report results.
Require all librarians to initial (040 –field) when changing a record
Katrina will send out Evergreen links for training and discussions from other libraries using it already.
Revisit Sage Council cataloging policies.
How to improve communication? Catalogers/mentors should just pick up the phone and offer to help. Or, call someone and ask questions.
To keep cataloging relevant to directors, cataloging committee should draft regular reports to Sage Council about cataloging programs, needs, successes.
Having no more business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 1:40.