Formatting & MARC Specs

Policy

To meet the needs of diverse learners, schools reserve the right to catalog according to their shelving and/or subject heading choices. Some schools use the traditional Dewey classification system while others may choose to catalog by genre or a blend of both.

Cataloging specifications vary according to subject preferences.

Each library has its own MARC/barcoding specifications.

Nuts and Bolts

These are the basic barcoding specs that book vendors ask for in relation to our district-wide Alexandria circulation system:

Bar code and Automation System Information

• Automation System: ALEXANDRIA

• Bar code symbology: Code 39 (3 of 9)

• Bar code length: Variable

• Data format: MARC21 or MARC 21-852

• Subject Heading: Sears

• Classifications: Dewey Decimal Classification

Barcode Number Ranges

• It is recommended to assign a range of barcode numbers to each vendor. Vendors will use individual school barcode number ranges for future purchases. You can find what barcodes are available for this purpose through Alexandria doing an Unused barcode report.

TOOLS>REPORTS>ALL REPORTS>UNUSED BARCODES

Adding MARC Records on your own

• CMCSS Libraries adhere to the AACR2 cataloging rules. You may use reliable sources for creating MARC records, such as Library of Congress, etc.

• In Alexandria, go to Edit, Preferences, Address Books. This is where you select the Z39.50 sites you wish to access.