Sunday, May 8, 2016

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.

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