Library Collection Mapping

Library collection mapping is the process of examining the quality and quantity of your collection and identifying the weaknesses and strengths. It acts as a visual tool that supplements the automated catalog system. This collection mapping system can display the depth of the collection available. There are many automated systems can create collection maps that provides a quick picture of each collection.

This collection mapping system can help meet the needs of both students and teachers in many ways. It provides the SLMS with the opportunity to ask for input about a certain collection and what they would like to see in the future. The teacher can use this as a way to use materials on specific recent topics and are relevant to the curriculum.

Perma-Bound Books (http://www.perma-bound.com/) is a common collection mapping system that is used to provide traditional and electronic books and information services to schools and libraries. Perma-Bound offers strong title selections, teaching materials, educational software, and electronic media. They also have an online catalog ordering, cataloging and processing, and collection development/analysis available.

References
http://eduscapes.com/sms/program/mapping.html

MARC Records Importance

Having a MARC record compatible automation system in my SLMC is very important because it is an easy way to facilitate communication and sharing information with other libraries. With the way technology and the Internet is evolving, more is being added into libraries to make cataloging easier to handle. Finding books in other libraries also becomes easier as well. You’re able to get access to MARC records on the Internet and download them for use. You’re able to get access to MARC records by going to the Library of Congress website. If MARC records are purchased with book orders, then you are able to export and import with little to no trouble.

Outsourcing the cataloging of books has its pros and cons. While it could save some time for a SLMS on doing certain things, such as shipping books to companies to be cataloged, it would add more to the job for a SLMS to do. It could also cost more money in the process, especially if there is a specific budget allotted.

LIbraryThing (https://www.librarything.com/) is a company that allows you to catalog books from Amazon, the Library of Congress, and 1,051 other libraries. You are also able to catalog movies and music. This company is available in many different languages. You can sign up for a membership that costs either $10 a year or a lifetime membership for $25. They have a brief tour of the website and how to go about signing up and using the website to catalog your materials.

Follow Me on Twitter!

Last year, I made a Twitter account to keep in tabs with anything and everything related to education. It's a great way to find helpful information on various trending topics that are related to music education and technology, or just about anything else you can think of!

Twitter handle: @gomezjasr / www.twitter.com