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Technology and Support Services Division
Cataloging and Metadata Department

Services

Below is a list of cataloging services offered by the department with estimates of average throughput time.  All cataloging complies with national standards. 

A number of variables impact the actual time it takes to complete a project, such as:

  • Competing library priorities
  • Availability of catalog records
  • Language of material
  • Physical format of material (e.g., print, microform, map)
  • Intellectual format of material (monograph or serial)
  • Date of material (copy for older material may be insufficient)
  • Physical condition of material
  • Degree to which macros can be utilized
  • Need for authorized headings in the National Authority File

Consultation, preferably early in a project timeline, is critical in order to adequately assess the resources required to complete the cataloging.   

Cataloging Tier I

Full original cataloging: descriptive metadata with all related notes, two or more subject headings, authority-controlled name and series headings, and classification numbers.  Estimate: 1-1.5 hours/title (Equivalent: OCLC Encoding Levels: Blank, I)
Note: Highly specialized material (e.g., rare books and serials, antique maps, realia) may require 4+ hours/title

Cataloging Tier 2

Minimal original cataloging: descriptive metadata with limited notes, at least one subject heading, name and series headings, and classification numbers. 

Estimate: 30 minutes-1 hour/title (Equivalent: OCLC Encoding Level: K)

Cataloging Tier 3

Copy cataloging: descriptive metadata with notes, at least one subject heading, name and series headings, and classification numbers. 

Estimate: 10-30 minutes/title (OCLC Encoding Levels accepted: Blank, I, K, L, M, 4, 5, 7, 8)

Reclassification

Typically involves assignment of Library of Congress classification numbers.  Large projects employ combination of automated and manual methods.

Estimate: 10 minutes/title (manual assignment)

Physical Processing

Includes barcodes, spine labels, security tapes, and property stamps. 

Estimate: 5-10 minutes/volume

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