SCP Cataloging Priorities

Introduction

The Shared Cataloging Program (SCP) catalogs CDL-licensed and designated open access resources for UC campuses’ ILSs and Melvyl. This document describes SCP cataloging priorities and procedures.

General Principles:

• Licensed materials before free (open access) materials
• Current/new titles before older titles
• “First in, first out” when there are competing needs within the same category

Priority Order:

• Licensed databases are given first priority because they require a single record that links to a large amount of information.
• Newly licensed journal packages are next because quicker access to them is critical for UC faculty and students.
• Newly licensed monographic packages follow next. Packages with MARC record sets are prioritized before those without, and packages with good records (requiring less work) may move ahead of others.
• Open access materials generally receive the lowest priority, with serials prioritized before monographs.

Procedures:

• The SCP Advisory Committee (SCP-AC) advises SCP on cataloging policy and procedures.
• UC librarians can
  • Submit proposals for new cataloging projects
  • Request SCP cataloging for open access journals (See Policies and Procedures)
  • All proposals must be vetted by the Joint Steering Committee for Shared Collections (JSC) before cataloging, except for individual open access journals that are 1) indexed in a major database, 2) have an existing SCP record, or 3) are listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).
• SCP cataloging priorities are divided into two categories: standing and project-oriented. Standing priorities are general in nature and prioritized in broad categories. Project-oriented priorities are specific in nature and are requested by UC librarians or identified by SCP staff. In almost all cases a specific package is called out for focused attention for the quarter. Project-oriented priorities are not fixed. During any quarter, they may get bumped in response to changes in other packages or new acquisitions. When these things occur SCP staff are generally the ones who readjust priorities, as guided by where things lie on the standing priorities list.

Facts & Guidelines:

• SCP obtains record sets when possible and edits them to meet UC standards, particularly for monographs, instead of creating original bibliographic records.
• SCP catalogs individual records either manually or via batch processing. Batch processing is quicker, although the setup and manual edits could require a significant amount of time.
• SCP handles maps and print materials as well (effective July 2004, per HOTS and SOPAG approvals.)
• SCP has limited non-Roman language or special format expertise.
• SCP does not catalog or distribute records for any Shared Print Collection.
  For expedited cataloging requests, UC librarians are encouraged to consult the JSC for guidance.
• The “E-Resources Tracking: CDL Licensed Electronic Resources” provides cataloging information, such as package name in 856$z, participating campuses, cataloging status, package details and type of URL used.
• The “Program Updates & Record Distribution Statistics” provides quarterly and annual (fiscal year) cataloging statistics, as well as monthly updates.

Originally prepared by Linda Barnhart, January 24, 2006

Revised and approved by JSC and Ivy Anderson, May 2006

Updated and approved by JSC, October 11, 2016