Collection Management Services: Cataloging Department
The Cataloging Department of Kimbel Library supports the programs of Coastal Carolina University by
describing and classifying information in all formats. The department provides searchable metadata for
this information and reliably documents the library’s collection. Its mission is to organize and
provide bibliographic access to all materials in the collection in order to promote their fullest
possible use, to preserve their intellectual integrity, and to provide and maintain access to
materials for our patrons. Responsibilities include: descriptive, subject, copy and original
cataloging; maintenance and enhancement of bibliographic records, including the addition, correction,
and deletion of records; and the preparation of library materials for use.
Cataloging Department General Policies & Procedures
The purpose of this policy is to guide the cataloging staff and to inform the public about the
principles upon which decisions are made. Our objectives are:
- To select classification numbers which best identify the subject content of the material at
hand, using the Library of Congress Classification system as prepared by the Library of Congress
Cataloging Policy and Support Office.
- To select subject headings, according to the Library of Congress guidelines, making every
effort to determine accurate, unbiased terms as established by the latest edition of The
Library of Congress Subject Headings.
- To treat print and non-print materials equally, cataloging all items according to Anglo-
American Cataloging Rules, second edition, 2002 edition, using the USMARC format and supplying
MARC coding and tagging, as documented in OCLC’s Bibliographic Formats and Standards
(online edition) and MARC 21: Bibliographic Format.
- To consult regularly with the Public Services, Serials, and Systems staff on cataloging
policies, procedures, and proposed changes.
- To contribute original cataloging to the international OCLC database and to maintain holdings
information in the OCLC database in order to facilitate interlibrary loans.
- To give priority processing status to items identified as needed for immediate use; items shall not
be loaned before cataloging is complete without the permission of the Head of Collection Management
Services.
- To evaluate and assess gift books donated to the Library for consideration for adding to
the collection. Please see the Gift Materials, Policy &
Guidelines.
- To select and prepare books for binding purposes. The Library cannot send personal
materials (those not belonging to the Library) to the bindery; however, information about
binding resources will be provided on request.
- To perform all of the above tasks as efficiently and quickly as possible to ensure that
materials are available in a timely manner.
Cataloging Department personnel:
Sallie Clarkson
Head of Collection Management Services
349-2448
Shametra Graves
Cataloging & Processing
349-2405
Initial responsibility for the Cataloging Department falls to the Head of Collection Management
Services. Final responsibility for the Cataloging Department lies with the Library Dean. Unusual
and/or potential problems will be referred to the Dean for consultation and resolution.
Date Last Modified: Aug 02, 2005
Page URL: http://www.coastal.edu/library/collectionmanagement/catalogingpolicy.html
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