Cataloging

In our consortium, we have 3 cataloging levels.

Level I Item Cataloging

Item catalogers must be able to:

• Search the Balsam catalog for existing records
• Match an item to an existing record
• Evaluate existing records in Balsam (basic understanding of MARC)
• Add holdings to an existing record
• Edit holdings attached to an existing record
• Delete holdings from an existing record

Click here for step-by-step directions.

Level II Copy Cataloging

Copy catalogers must be able to complete Item cataloging tasks and:

• Evaluate bibliographic records
• Understand the differences between AACR2 and RDA
• Import bibliographic records with Z39.50
• Edit fixed fields
• Merge bibliographic records
• Overlay bibliographic records
• Transferring records/items
• Cataloging series

Click here for step-by-step directions.

Level III Original Cataloging

Original catalogers must be able to complete Item and Copy cataloging tasks and be able catalog items from scratch.

Other Cataloging Directions

1. Audience Fixed Field (click to download PDF)
2. Use of a Single Bibliographic Record for Books (click to download PDF)
3. Managing Icons in Evergreen (click to download PDF)

Useful References

• OCLC Classify — call number and classification help
• OCLC Glossary — a comprehensive listing of OCLC terms accompanied by definitions.
• OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards — a guide to fixed fields and MARC fields
• Library of Congress MARC Standards
• Library of Congress – Understanding MARC Bibliographic
• NC Cardinal Cataloging — North Carolina Evergreen consortium documentation
• NC Cardinal Cataloging Videos — North Carolina Evergreen consortium training videos
• Getting Cataloging Support from the Balsam Consortium
• Managing Icons in Evergreen
• Printing Spine Labels (video)