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.

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)