Program Title: Seeing the Forest Through the Weeds: Inventory Through Polaris Weeding Workflows
Track: Polaris
Program Description: Our presentation details a novel approach to inventory in Polaris, conceived as one of multiple interdepartmental programs to clean up pre-2020 cataloging malpractice and procedure. This method utilizes the built-in Weeding Workflows as a figurative ‘lens’ by which to measure item-record and broader bibliographic record-level accuracy in physical holdings (in addition to normal conditional checks). As opposed to the typical snapshot model of inventory, this method manifests a recombinant teleological and modular process; reporting and data accrual being continual over periodic in output, as attempts with the former model highlighted prohibitive logistical challenges for larger libraries. Our presentation details initial set up of a core of filter-less weeding templates varying in complexity, from which roving staff select their target collection for inventory; we then detail staff inventory workflow, from initial weeding record set generation to an item-level export/import ‘stamping’, followed by second and third passes through a given collection, concluding with time for comments/questions/suggestions. Some beginner Find Tool SQL and CCL are present throughout, and live demonstration will be given of the process to demonstrate how quickly staff can work through a given collection.
Speaker/ Information:
- Cameron Crawford. Assistant Department Head - Circ Services, Baldwin Public Library
- Sam Hollo. Assistant Department Head, Baldwin Public Library
- Brandon Bolek-Toubeaux. Assistant Department Head, Baldwin Public Library
- Kristen Tait. Head of Access Services, Baldwin Public Library
Inventory Inclusion Criterias (CCL, Power Searches).docx (28.2 KB)
Inventory Through Polaris Weeding Workflows (BPL Final).docx (3.4 MB)
Seeing the Forest Through the Weeds IUG 2026 Presentation Slide Deck FINAL.pptx (6.3 MB)