Working Remotely by Molly Virello

Author:Molly Virello
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published: 2022-04-23T00:00:00+00:00

Technical Services and Cataloging

Technical services and cataloging staff may be able to do some cataloging and metadata work remotely. They can edit existing records by correcting invalid/obsolete metadata tags, update records to add subfields, and identify and add missing data fields, thereby making items easier to find via the online catalog for patrons. They can run various reports to find data outliers—for example, items with mismatched codes, items with locations no longer in use, records missing coding (like empty item types), duplicate barcodes, and so on. They can search for “orphan” (unlinked) records, such as bibs with no items, find duplicate records and merge them, or find duplicate call numbers. Remember, if you change it in the system, you will likely have to track it down physically so labels are updated accordingly. All of this maintenance is necessary in order to make a catalog more searchable, items more easily found, and records clearer for patrons and staff alike—and it’s the kind of database housekeeping that can be done remotely.

If allowed, staff might be able to inventory and/or catalog physical items remotely. This depends on the nature of why staff are remote and whether your library has rules about taking uncatalogued items home. If your staff is working remotely because of a pandemic-like situation and they are quarantining, taking items home is not the safest course. If they are working remotely for short periods of time, where turnaround is fairly quick, this might be an acceptable option. If your library does not have rules in place for taking items home, you might consider writing them into your policy, as not having such guidelines can present a host of challenges. When taking uncatalogued items home, you must make sure there is a very detailed and accurate log of what is going home with whom and what is coming back to the library. Does your institution have equipment loan paperwork? How does the library and/or supervisor ensure that all material taken is returned? Are there any local laws, library rules, or insurance caveats that prevent items being removed from the library? All items must be rigorously accounted for.

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