General Copy Cataloging

A full description of MARC fields and their contents can be found at https://www.oclc.org/bibformats.

As a CARLI library, we're obligated to follow consortial cataloging policies.

When you're working with a bib record, DO NOT GUESS about MARC fields or formats. If you're unsure, look it up and get it right before you save/replace the record.

Look for records in Alma before you look in OCLC Connexion.

• Start in the Institution Zone (IZ), then look in the Network Zone (NZ) if we don't have a record.

• Unless they get a lot better in coming years, avoid Community Zone (CZ) bib records. They're mostly stub records without OCLC numbers. 

CARLI best practices dictate that member libraries should use existing records in the Network Zone (if available) for materials they're adding to their collections; if a record matches the item you're working with, enhance it in OCLC and re-export it to the NZ rather than importing a different record. (If there's a significant difference in quality between the NZ record and another record you find in OCLC, confer with Jodi on the best strategy for moving forward.)

Enhance bib records in OCLC Connexion, not the Alma Metadata Editor. Only use the MDE for editing holding records.

Make sure to choose the correct format for the work. Use physical records for print books and electronic records for ebooks.

If multiple records exist in Connexion for a given item:

• Look for a record that has the code DLC in the 040 field. This designates records created/edited by the Library of Congress.

• Look for the record with the highest number of holdings. It's usually (but not always) the best record.

• Prioritize records that have the most robust descriptions (as long as the descriptions are accurate).

• If OCLC says we hold an item, search for it again in Alma.

Once you've found a record:

• Ensure that the existing information is accurate and make enhancements using the correct MARC standards.

• "Save" the record to OCLC by selecting Action > Replace Record.

  • If you've made any mistakes in your enhancements, you'll get an error message -- OCLC won't let you update the record until you've fixed them.

  • In PCC records, 050 00 and 6xx fields will be locked for editing. You can add additional fields, but you won't be able to change any that are already there.