Cataloguing and Processing

A Resource for School Library Personnel

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Chapter 11: Processing

Once the cards have been prepared and filed, prepare the items for circulation. Use the following as a guide.

11.1 Books

Stamp the book with the school stamp in the following places
- the fly leaf
- the lower part of the title page
- on the outside edges of the pages, with the book firmly closed
Type a book pocket and card for each item according to the example given on the next page. Note that the author's surname and the first name are both typed. The same tabs that are used for typing the catalogue cards may be used to type the book card and pocket. Refer to Chapter 9 -- Typing the Catalogue Cards.
Type the call number for each book on a label and attach it to the book. Cover the label with a mylar label cover. Both spine labels and mylar label covers are available from any library supply company. Be consistent in the placement of the labels.
Most libraries prefer to paste the pocket in the back of the book so as not to cover title information found in the front. It is important to be consistent in the location of the pocket. If a library does put the pockets in the front, a blank page can be introduced to put the card on. Again be consistent about the use of the front or back. If date due slips are being used, attach one to the pocket below the typed title.
Books with paper dust jackets should be covered with a plastic dust jacket for protection.
If the item is to be circulated in an automated system the barcode should be affixed to the item and covered with mylar barcode tape. It is a good practice to write the barcode number on the inside cover in case the label becomes separated from the book. Systems typically employ portable barcode readers. Placement of the automated label on the cover, as opposed to the inside of the cover, offers the practical advantage of not requiring that every book be removed and opened during inventory.

11.1.2 Pocket and Card for a Book [Figure 53]

Figure 53

11.2 Audiovisual Materials

Audiovisual materials come packaged in so many diverse ways that it is difficult to detail the various means of processing. In general, follow these steps

Stamp the item with the school stamp.
Prepare a book card and pocket as if for a book and attach it to the box or container. It is a good idea to label the component parts of the box so when the item is returned it is easy to verify nothing has been lost or misplaced (see figure 52).
Prepare the call number label and attach it to the box. Cover the label with mylar tape.
If the item is to be circulated in an automated system, affix the barcode label and cover it with mylar tape. Write the barcode number inside the box in case the label is removed from the box.
For compact sound discs and CD-ROMs, book cards, pockets, and barcodes should be attached to the containers. Any library-specific identifying marks (i.e., call number and institution name) may be written on the transparent centre of the disc as close to the hub and as clearly as possible. A fine point, permanent, silver metallic ink marker works well.

11.2.1 Pocket and Card for an Audiovisual Item [Figure 54]

Figure 54