Lots of interesting topics were raised at today’s Zoom forum on Cataloging in Sierra. Here are some of the topics raised:
Staff permissions
- A question was raised about limiting permissions for some cataloguing functions by job groups
- Most libraries seem to be doing this
- Not all Functions/workflows are assigned to all logins
- It can be challenging to implement limits if they haven’t always been in place
- Allowing general access to some cataloguing functions can lead to errors in the catalogue
Automatic Authority Control
- questions were raised about how to prompt headings to update when authority changes come through from Backstage
- Someone thought there was a specific field that needed to be available to enable this process to work
- Automatic Authority Control Processing
Headings reports
- Libraries are looking at these periodically (Monthly, Weekly, Daily)
- It is helpful for keep on top of projects that are happening since you will see the changes come through
- Some align checks with the schedule for record deletions
- Using Headings Reports
URL Checker
- Some are using this regularly and others were not aware of it
- Libraries use this to find and update links in records that are broken
- Verifying URLs with URL Checker
Pathfinder Pro
- Allows a URL to serve as a resource
- Using Pathfinder Pro
Volume Records
- a library that doesn’t use Volume records was asking for information about how they can be useful
- some are using these for serials to improve hold process
- some libraries use volume information in the item records to prompt item holds
A question was raised about how to prepare for the RDA transition in 2027
- Lots of great information was shared
- PCC is developing training – we are hoping to have it completed soon and have webinars starting in the spring. A member of the team shared, if you’re staying in MARC and not moving to BIBFRAME, the end result will remain much the same. This report captures some of the changes - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-7uukcGiBGqL4wlBpB4LIQ44FK3N4n0dzuv6QPAKrno/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.5jgrt0rdgc1x Page 110 has information on the new MARC fields. (Thank you Sarah F for providing this update!)
Updating MARC validity tables
- How often to update and how to maintain local changes
- MARC validity tables can be updated by support (service request)
- Updates wipe out any local changes so you need to track those and add the changes back after the update
- Most seem to do this only when cataloguers start to notice new headings that are not valid
- Some maintain a spreadsheet or other record of changes made
- MARC format validity tables
Hoopla and other digital vendor records
- Libraries discussed how they do (or do not) add records for Digital collections (Hoopla, Overdrive, Cloud Library, etc.)
- Some are loading limited sets based on format (ie. eMusic or eComics) or are selecting high demand titles, while others are loading everything
- Some are editing to verify headings, etc. and others are mainly leaving records as they come
- Some use specific Load Profiles to adjust how records load
- Load profiles can also be used to match records for deletion
Third party services
- several libraries are working with Backstage
- some have used them for specific projects
- some libraries are cataloging independently
Lake of America
- How will libraries manage heading changes?
- Most are maintaining Lake Ontario and also adding Lake of America, either with both as Subjects or with one as a local subject
- This positions libraries well for future changes and provides maximum discoverability
Inventory
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People are interested in a good processes for inventory
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Some are using the new Update inventory date from check-in workflow:
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Some have used Vega Mobile Worklists - Vega Mobile Worklists Home
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There have been presentations by community members at IUG that might be helpful to review
- IUG 2026 presentation: Cleaning Up Our Act Using Really, Really Simple Inventory & Other Projects
- other past presentations are also available if you search the forum
Thank you to all attendees for lots of useful discussion!