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.