This module provides the quickest and easiest way
to catalogue an existing collection using an automated
library system. The required catalogue information
can be obtained in a number of ways. An order can
be created, to be sent to a supplier of catalogue
data, or catalogue records can be automatically loaded
from appropriate CD ROM products. The key to its ease
of use is that, at the same time as the ID Number
(e.g. ISBN) is scanned or typed in, the system does
two things:
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It checks whether a record for this resource
is available on the bibliographic database(s) in
use.
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It picks up local copy information, controlling
how the item is to be loaned and shelved, and optionally
can pick up locally defined subject headings.
Therefore, everything that needs to be recorded about
the item is achieved in one handling of the resource.
Using this method, cataloguing rates of up to 1,000
resources per week should be achieved by a two-person
team. Most libraries find that catalogue information
for between 80% and 95% of their stock can be found
on an external data source, such as Brodart’s
Precision One cataloguing System (POCS). At the same
time an abbreviated entry can be created for any items
whose catalogue data is not on the bibliographic database,
hence the entire collection is catalogued and ready
for circulation in one pass of the shelves.
When utilising a CD ROM database of loadable bibliographic
records, a search is conducted by ISBN. If the search
is successful then the bibliographic record may be
automatically loaded into the catalogue. The catalogue
record is then immediately available for editing.
Before the existence of Rapid Retrospective, cataloguing
the existing collection was the major task in a library
automation project and project timescales were expressed
in terms of years. With Rapid Retrospective, library
automation project timescales of a few months become
commonplace.
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