January 15, 2021

With the focus on linked data, libraries now request that we provide the information when a bib term is matched to an appropriate authority record. We can insert the control number of the authority record or the URI of the authority record into subfield $0 of the bib record (recommended).

Example of control number in subfield $0 of a bib record:

650_0 $a Drawing. $0 (DLC) sh 85039408

If this option is chosen, subfield $0 control numbers will be added for the following vocabularies: AAT, ACP, FAST, GSAFD, LAC, LCSH, LCGFT, MeSH, NASA, NLA, Sears, TGM.

Example of a URI in subfield $0 of a bib record:

100 1 $a Kelly, Katy, $0 http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n88121754 $e author.

If this option is chosen, subfield $0 URIs will be added for the following vocabularies: ACP, FAST, LCSH, LCGFT, MeSH, TGM.

There’s been some documentation from PCC declaring a preference for using URIs that represent full matching access points and not partial access points as we provide.

October 2017    PCC Task Group on URIs in MARC Year 2 Report to PoCo (October 2017) (page 5)
“After careful consideration, the Task Group recommends against providing URIs that represent only partial entities of a MARC field. Faceted vocabularies provide an alternative means to represent such concepts by post-coordination. If the entire concept is to be represented as a single semantic unit within the LCSH vocabulary, in our view that becomes an issue for the maintenance agency rather than for implementers.”
https://www.loc.gov/aba/pcc/bibframe/TaskGroups/PCC_URI_TG_20171015_Report.pdf

This recommendation was repeated in a 2019 report (quoted from the 2017 report above): 09/12/19   PCC Task Group on Linked Data Best Practices Final Report (page 9)
https://www.loc.gov/aba/pcc/taskgroup/linked-data-best-practices-final-report.pdf

To date, we have not seen anything from the Library of Congress regarding community-wide adoption of these recommendations and it may be up to the library to choose to follow them or not. In response to customer inquiry, we will now insert subfield $0 when either a full or partial access point matches an authority record, or only when a full access point matches an authority record.

Which option is best? It really is up to the library.  If a library want to follow PCC stated best practices, they should get $0 URIs for full matching access points only.  However, this will result in a lot fewer added $0 subfields in their bib records and this additional information may be missed.  Unless the library is experimenting with Bibframe and the Sinopia linked-data editing environment, we suggest that the option to get $0 subfields for full and partial matches be chosen.  Since this is an ever-evolving area, this is likely not the last URI recommendation we will see from PCC.  It may well be that partial match URIs are acceptable in the future.

It should be noted that the choices a library makes for adding $0 subfields do not affect which authority records are returned to the library, as these are an entirely separate processes in Authority Match.  Our authorities processing provides authority records to the library for the fullest matching string.  If the library chooses to add $0 subfields for full matches only, they will still receive authority records for full and some partial matches.  For example, there is no authority record match for this full string so a URI will not be added if the library chooses to add them for full access points only:

650_0 $a Automobiles $x Air conditioning $z Arizona.

However, the library does get two matching authority records for this string:

$a Automobiles $x Air conditioning                          sh 85010204

$z Arizona                                                                       n  79034873

Here’s another example:

650_0 $a Personality disorders $x Religious aspects $x Buddhism

There is no authority record match for this full string, so a URI will not be added IF the library chooses to add them for full access points only.  The library will get this matching authority record:

$a Personality disorders $x Religious aspects       sh2019101837

Whether a library chooses to follow the current PCC guidelines for $0 enrichment or not, we have an option that is best for your library.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions at [email protected], or if you wish to adjust your profile options.

Written by Candy Riley
Manager of Metadata Services

June 2, 2020

MARCIVE has offered FAST Heading processing for many years.   FAST Headings processed by MARCIVE can be in the form of 600 (personal name), 610 (corporate name), 611 (meeting name), 630 (uniform title), 650 (topical term), 651 (geographic name), and 655 (genre/form term). To be properly identified as FAST within the record, FAST Headings require a second indicator “7” with subfield “2 fast”.  MARCIVE verifies the field against the FAST authority record file, updates as needed, and supplies the matching authority record upon request.

Examples of FAST Processing:

BEFORE:           651  7 $aUnited States, West.$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01243255

Corrected word orientation

AFTER:              651  7 $aWest United States.$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01243255

BEFORE            655  7 $aBiography.$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01423686

Updated from deleted to current form

AFTER:              655  7 $aBiographies.$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01919896

The 647 _7 $2fast field for Named Events is being seen in more and more records lately.  Now MARCIVE includes the 647 tag in FAST processing, which sometimes consists of the retagging of the 611 field to the 647 (Subject Added Entry for Named Events) field based on the 147 OCLC FAST authority records for  events.  So, we not only verify existing 647 tags, we also correctly flip 611 7 $2fast to 647 when appropriate! This added programming is part of every customer’s specifications that have asked for FAST processing.   No action needed!

Examples of Updating Named Events in FAST Processing:

BEFORE:               611 27 $aHurricane Rita (2005)$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01755320

AFTER:                  647  7 $aHurricane Rita$d(2005)$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01755320

BEFORE:               611 27 $aVietnam War (1961-1975)$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01431664

AFTER:                  647  7 $aVietnam War$d(1961-1975)$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01431664

BEFORE:               611 27 $aOperation Rolling Thunder (1965-1968)$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01755778

AFTER                   647  7 $aOperation Rolling Thunder$d(1965-1968)$2fast$0(OCoLC)fst01755778

Please feel free to contact us about FAST processing, or any other aspect of authorities processing at [email protected].

Written by Ligia Gomez, MLS

February 7, 2019

Two years ago, we added the FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology) vocabulary to the list of vocabularies we process in authorities processing.    This means that as a profile option, we can automatically review and provide maintenance on them.

For more information on FAST access point options, go here.

At the request of a customer, we now have the option to create FAST access points based on LC subject access points.  This happens only when the associated LC access point has been validated, flipped, or split, and the link between the LC term and the FAST term has been established and verified.  This processing is based on the presence of the LC authority record control number in the 7XX field of the FAST authority record, meaning that FAST has stated that these are the same.  Matching authority records will automatically be supplied, unless the library has indicated that they are not needed.  There is no additional charge for this processing.

Example:

LC access point:                       650 _0 $aRivers.  (matched to LC authority record sh 85114250)

FAST access point supplied: 650 _7 $aRivers. $fast OR

650_7 $aRivers. $fast $0fst01098312

(Subfield 0 added if the library has chosen URI additions as a part of the processing).

The access point was generated based on the presence of:

750 _0$aRivers $0(DLC)sh 85114250 in the FAST authority record.

Note to Comprehensive Notification Service (CNS) subscribers:  You can ask that this processing be added with your next update at no additional charge.  Yet another reason why CNS is a great deal!  We can re-process your bibliographic database at the frequency chosen with this new option.

For more information, contact us at [email protected]

Written by Joan Chapa, MLS

November 1, 2018

In February 2017, MARCIVE released a new product that helps libraries keep a better handle on how authorities processing is performed in their ILS or LSP.  Over the years, customers had commented how once an initial backfile authorities processing project was completed and Standard Notification Service was begun, their systems didn’t always do a good job using the monthly updated authority records to revise the associated bibliographic records.  It was difficult to pinpoint why and in what cases an access point would not be updated, even though the proper information was present in the revised authority record.

Comprehensive Notification Service retains the bibliographic as well as the authority records, and periodically refreshes them using the newest authorities files on either a quarterly, biannual, or yearly frequency.  Only the bib records that reflect a change are provided, along with new/changed/deleted authority records.

Access points that were previously unmatched are updated when matched to new authority records through CNS.  Any new fields reflected by new policies in RDA, and continual improvements to MARCIVE processing are also seen.

The number of records changed is typically less than 5%, but different factors can affect the statistics:

–A change to a prolific access point is released by LC, so many records are affected.

–Changes in a profile option.  For example: A library that didn’t ask for processing of FAST access points at the onset and later requests it will see a large increase of changed records.  Or a library that decided to have URI identifiers added to their processing asked us to add that free option with the next update.

Subscribers can send in both bib and authority deletes before the next processing to keep the history files current.

If a library decides they don’t want to track deletes because they weed a great deal, or don’t have the staff to keep up can send their entire database to replace the current history and use that as the input file.

Although CNS was created with Ex Libris Alma members in mind, there are 10 different systems among customers of public, military, and academic libraries of various sizes.  Both public and academic consortia are represented as well.

For more information, please go to https://home.marcive.com/blog/new-comprehensive-notification-services-cns

September 17, 2018

MARCIVE, Inc. has performed metadata conversion on behalf of Creativebug for Cuyahoga County Public Library. Creativebug is an award-winning on demand video streaming service for arts and crafts and Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) is the first library to subscribe.  Craft books are among the highest-circulating items in the CCPL collection, and they feel Creativebug’s videos are a great complement to the highly circulated genre.

Creativebug provided an Excel spreadsheet which MARCIVE, Inc. converted into MARC format so the streaming videos could be searchable within CCPL’s catalog.  MARCIVE also performed other data manipulation in addition to authorities processing and RDA Conversion, so the records could be as up-to-date as possible.

“Formatting Creativebug data for Library catalogs posed a new challenge for us. The MARCIVE team helped us quickly understand the structure of library record metadata so we could format our own data in order to provide discoverability and relevant search results for library patrons,” says Julie Roehm, Founder and VP of Operations at Creativebug.

“Cuyahoga County Public Library is thrilled to be the first library in the country to offer this exciting new video service,” says Lori Thorrat, Cataloging and Processing Manager at Cuyahoga County Public Library, “We knew Creativebug had good data as part of their product database, but getting it quickly into a library friendly format with Library of Congress Headings was an issue.  We knew MARCIVE could do this for them.”

MARCIVE’s Director of Marketing Joan Chapa states: “MARCIVE has enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the Cuyahoga County Public Library, beginning when we did backfile authorities processing and RDA conversion for them in 2014.  We also enriched their records with Tables of Contents, Summaries, and Reading Notes data (Lexile and Accelerated Reader) to add more access points to their catalog. It has greatly benefitted us to be able to get their feedback on various technical issues, and we were pleased when they reached out to us to ask for advice about how to manipulate data from an outside vendor so that it would be searchable in their catalog.  It is rewarding that besides providing the Library with ongoing authorities maintenance and enrichment, that we were able to assist them with an exciting new resource.”

Creativebug produces high quality video tutorials for various craft projects with 1000+ classes in drawing, painting, sewing and quilting, knitting, crochet, cake decorating and much more.  The product also increases engagement with the public library as it offers a social media aspect, where users can post questions after viewing a video about a certain craft project, and share photos of the project they created.  “It is a genuine thrill to see Creativebug classes appear in Cuyahoga County Public Library’s catalog,” says Julie Roehm, “and MARCIVE helped to make that happen in record time.”

MARCIVE Consultative Sales Representative Ligia Gomez stated, “Creativebug was a great partner to work with in metadata conversion as they really wanted to understand libraries and knew the importance of providing high quality MARC records with their resource.  This project was the first of its kind for us.”

Being able to help Creativebug craft library friendly data with MARCIVE that will be shared as their customer base grows was truly gratifying,” says Lori Thorrat, Catalog and Processing Manager at the Cuyahoga County Public Library.  “We hope by partnering Creativebug with MARCIVE that we have set a good example for other online products as to how to effectively improve their data for their library customers.”

About Cuyahoga County Public Library:

Cuyahoga County Public Library is committed to its mission of being at the center of community life by creating an environment where reading, lifelong learning and civic engagement thrive and its vision to be the most convenient library system in the country. For more information, visit http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/

About Creativebug:  Creativebug is an online learning community for DIY crafters, producing award-winning inspirational and educational videos. Founded in 2012, Creativebug is known for its all-star lineup of instructors and video classes that walk users through creative projects from start to finish. Members enjoy unlimited access to classes in painting, drawing, sewing, quilting, cake decorating, knitting, crochet and more. There is truly something for everyone in Creativebug’s growing library of more than 1000 classes.  For more information, go to creativebug.com

Written by Ligia Gomez, MLS

January 25, 2018

Now as a part of RDA processing performed during authorities processing, we have the ability to create fields that can assist with formulating format facets, and prepare for linked data.    These new 34X fields provide consistency in describing the characteristics of various formats.  They are:

340      Physical Medium
344      Sound Characteristics
345      Projection Characteristics of Moving Image
346      Video Characteristics
347      Digital File Characteristics
348      Format of Notated Music

The conversion is only as good as the data elements that typically are already present in the MARC record in various fields and subfields.  Our processing looks at the LDR, 007, 008, 300, 533, and 538 fields to accurately create the new 34X fields.

Libraries looking to do authorities processing and RDA conversion on their legacy cataloging records can have this new processing included.  Existing customers can request that we add this option to any new bibliographic records sent for processing.  And even better yet—Comprehensive Notification customers can have this option applied with their next processing run—essentially having the entire backfile performed to include new RDA tags.  There is no additional charge for this option.

Here are some examples.

Interested in learning more?  Send us a sample and we can show you all the good we can do to make your records more useable.  Contact us at [email protected].

Written by Joan I. Chapa, MLS

Type of Library: Public
LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library
Project Coordinators:
Cay Hohmeister, Library Director
Christopher Gorsuch, Library Services Manager for Collection Management
Paul Clark, Application Systems Analyst II

Address: LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library, 200 W. Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL  32301-7716

Telephone Number: 850-606-2665

E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Problems To Be Solved:

1. Make the Enterprise SirsiDynix Symphony catalog more unified and easier for patrons to search
2. Provide an easy way for parents to find suitable materials for reading incentive programs
3. Implement RDA conversion

MARCIVE Solutions:

1. Authorities processing with RDA Conversion
2. Reading Notes Enhancement with Lexile, and Accelerated Reader data

The Story

In 2013 the coming of RDA (Resource Description and Access) to the general library community forced our library to address how we were dealing with name and subject authorities, as well as how we would render a display of our bibliographic records. There was little incentive to deal with a long, labor-intensive project involving the conversion of AACR2 to RDA standards, especially since some of our records represented missing or withdrawn materials.

Needs identified, and MARCIVE selected

In the time leading up to our conversion, we conducted a selection of a vendor to perform the conversion of name and subject headings, as well as the conversion of bibliographic records to RDA standards.   MARCIVE was eventually selected through the usual competitive bid process for outside contractual services for Leon County, Florida. As a result, MARCIVE was awarded the contract for the following reasons:

1. MARCIVE could do what we needed them to do, according to the RFP (Request for Proposal)
2. MARCIVE was the most cost-effective
3. MARCIVE had many years of experience performing similar projects with similar-sized systems
4. MARCIVE could also provide additional AR/Lexile rankings in our bibliographic records

The last point regarding reading rankings was not originally part of the charge. However, when it was realized that such a long-desired enhancement could be effected without major alteration to the original mission (and without any additional cost), it became one more reason to select MARCIVE.

Funding obtained

The funds for this project were acquired through our county Management of Information Services process for FY 14/15. The funds were included in the capital projects for FY 14/15.In March 2014, a detailed request for $17,500 was submitted to update the catalog database, establish authority control, adopt RDA cataloging standards and provide AR/Lexile rankings. The initial run was estimated to be 350,000 bibliographic records. The funds were included in the capital projects.

Funding was approved by the Leon County Board of County Commissioners for FY 14/15. Capital funds may be carried forward in case the project extended into the following fiscal year.

The Process

All of this required some planning for our downtime, both internally and externally. This meant dealing with the bibliographic records for which items had been missing an extraordinary amount of time or items which had been lost, and otherwise paid for or reconciled. Throughout this process, MARCIVE was available to help walk us through the process and were able to schedule the actual freezing of the catalog and the ultimate flip to adding the new bibliographic and authority records at a time convenient to the library and our patrons.

Leading up to the project itself was the preparation work necessary for both our catalog and our staff. This meant implementation of the latter:

1. Establish realistic missing and searching protocols for library materials. In some cases, items had been “missing” or “lost-assumed” for ten or more years. The time now is 18 months, and then it is deleted from the system.
2. A one-time deletion of titles and items which had been in such status for over 18 months (this was after circulation information had been transferred to a separate file). This resulted in the elimination of almost 60,000 titles and almost 150,000 items.
3. This resulted in not only a more accurate catalog with which we provided MARCIVE but a reduced, per bibliographic charge for the whole initial project.
4. From the initial deletion onward, the staff has been diligent in searching for and/or resolving items in the various lost categories. The lists from which they operate are now of realistic size, and they can be processed in the time allowed.

Feedback from reference desk, Technical Services staff, and Patrons

After the actual changeover to our new records on 27 August 2015, we were anxious to hear any feedback on how the searching and retrieval of the records from the staff and the public users. In our case, “No news is good news.”  After about two weeks, after hearing nothing one way or the other, I asked managers and branch heads if they had any feedback at all after the first day of usage. The unanimous response was that no one had said anything, including the staff, which had made the transition from display of GMDs to display of 33X tags without any anticipated problems.

To a great extent, MARCIVE provided the support that resulted in a seamless, virtually invisible transition. Also, the addition of AR and Lexile scores and points has become relied on heavily by parents and schoolchildren in Leon County, thus creating a bonus win for our system. A special page was created for this purpose.

One of the factors in the success of this project was keeping the staff apprised of the progress of the project, and getting their buy-in for its success. There was some concern over losing the display of the GMDs from the index screens, but because we were offering equivalent displays using 33x tags, this concern was met. A day or so before we went live with the new bibliographic and authority records, the Director and the Head of Collection Management met with every branch manager and the department head in the main library, as well as with staff members, to show exactly what the new records would like, where their information had (or had not) moved, and to answer any questions regarding this. This proved to be effective, especially having it so shortly before going live.

Additional orientations were provided the Library Management team, as well as the Library Advisory board. The process and results of this project became the basis for a presentation “RDA Bibliographic and Authority Records: Preparing the Way!” given at the May 2016 COSUGI (Customers Of SirsiDynix Users Group, Inc.) by Chris Gorsuch and Paul Clark.

Continuity—Keeping the catalog up to date

Since the establishment of RDA bibliographic and authority records, the work continues. Routines have been refined around the new cataloging records sent for processing through Overnight Authorities Service and the monthly Notification Service files. If authorities have not been resolved during the cataloging process, they are caught each month and forwarded to the head of Collection Management for disposition or resolution. This results in fewer conflicts being noted because the authority records are already established in our local system. Also, blind references are removed when the last item is discarded/withdrawn from the catalog. This results in less patron frustration, and a more accurate picture of what is available through our system. We are very pleased to offer an up-to-date, accurate and attractive online catalog for library users.

February 23, 2017

Now we have an alternative way to keep your catalog up to date after the initial authorities processing/RDA Conversion project has been completed, through Comprehensive Notification Service (CNS).

We will retain both a copy of the matching authority records we supplied as well as the updated bibliographic records.  You should continue to send us new cataloging through Overnight Authorities Service on any time frame desired—daily, weekly, monthly, etc.  There’s never a minimum order, the work is done overnight, and updated bib records are posted the next business day for FTP retrieval, along with any requested reports.  The results of this processing are added to both the retained bib and authority files.

Then at the frequency of the library’s choosing, we will re-process the bibliographic records using all the same specifications, returning to the library only the changed bibliographic records, any NEW authority records, as well as authority records changed or deleted by LC, along with any reports.

Why would a library choose this subscription instead of Standard Notification Service?

CNS is a desirable method of maintaining records if your library’s ILS or library service platform does not have the function to fully update the corresponding bibliographic record with the corrected access point.  Sometimes the system has the capability but has difficulty converting the entire string in an access point.  CNS keeps a copy of your bibliographic records and the authority record files provide by MARCIVE.  The library chooses how often to update:  Quarterly, Semi-annual or Annual.  Pricing varies depending on the size of the bibliographic file, and how often you request the update. We ask you to list preferred dates for the bib updates.

What’s included with the Comprehensive Authorities Notification Service?

1.     Flip of access points to current LC practice.  This includes the update of access points that were not recognized when we did the initial processing.
2.     Inclusion of any NEW authority records on matched access points.
3.     Inclusion of any CHANGED authority records on access points that first matched during the initial processing, and any authority records deleted by LC.  It additionally includes differentiated authority records which were formerly undifferentiated.
4.     Undifferentiated-Differentiated.

In identified bib records, the access point will now match to a new authority record and the bib record will be changed.  Note:  several sources are used (e.g. 670 field, VIAF record, etc.) to verify a proper match.

5.     Partial matches that become full-string matches.
6.     Terms that change tagging.
7.     Fields that reflect changes in RDA.

What’s NOT included in Comprehensive Authorities Notification Service (CNS)?

If any type of enrichment (TOC, Summaries, Fiction/Biography data, Lexile or Accelerated Reader) is a part of your profile, that data will not be added during the re-processing of the bibliographic records during CNS.  This only happens during Overnight Authorities Service, or as a stand-alone project.

Commonly Asked Questions ABOUT CNS

1.     It’s time for my first update, and I haven’t yet sent any new records for processing, but I want them included.  What should I do?

MARCIVE Response:  Go ahead and send the file now, just as you normally would through Overnight Authorities Processing.  You’ll be charged the standard rates for this work.  These bibliographic records will be included in the update and will be added to the retained bib file.

2.     It’s time for our update, and our systems librarian is out on medical leave.  Can we re-schedule?

MARCIVE Response:  Yes.  Let us know when you are ready for this work.  Remember that you have pre-paid for the subscription and your updates need to occur within the subscription year.

3.     We have performed a large weeding project in our library and deleted a number of bibliographic records.  How do we let you know what we have deleted?

MARCIVE Response:  There are two ways to do this.  We can provide directions for sending us the control numbers of the bibliographic records to be deleted, and they will be removed from your history at the quoted rates.  The alternative method is to send us your entire bib file again, and we will replace your retained bib file with the new one.  Contact your Marketing Representative for a quote.

4.     We’re completing our profile with MARCIVE, and are trying to decide which Notification subscription is best for us.  Can you help us choose?

MARCIVE Response:  CNS was created in response to those libraries stating that while their ILS or LSP could update the main bib access point in a string using an updated authority record, often it could not update it if there were subfields included.

If your system can reliably perform this function, then we would suggest you choose the Standard Notification Subscription. Authority records are retained in your “history file.”  Also, we retain any unmatched headings for future updates through the NewMatch option.  You send new cataloging to us through Overnight Authorities Service, and any authority records produced are compared to your history file, and only those new to you are distributed.  These new authority records are added to your history file, which continues to grow.  With this subscription, you’ll rely on your local ILS or LSP to use the monthly files of changed/deleted authority records to update the associated bib records.  The advantage to this subscription is that because you get monthly updates, your catalog will be more current and in sync.

If your system has an issue with using an authority record to update an entire access point string, or there are problems running authority updates on a monthly basis, then CNS would likely be the better option.  Your entire bib file will be completely refreshed at the time interval of your choice and will include any new standard bibliographic processing functions that we have added.  The library does need to be aware that any access point that is processed through authorities processing and RDA conversion may overlay and therefore remove any in-house editing unless internal protections have been put in place.

5.     We are planning to do authorities processing/RDA conversion in preparation for migrating from a legacy system to ExLibris Alma.  We won’t be able to or need to do any ongoing authority work, will we?

MARCIVE Response:  According to reports from Alma users, there is an internal mechanism to automatically link bib access points to an external authority file.  However, this doesn’t always work as well as expected.  While Alma users don’t have the need for authority records, we can still process new cataloging through Overnight Authorities after the initial project has been performed, and more importantly, refresh the bib file on a periodic basis through CNS.  This frees the cataloging staff from having to continually confirm that bib access points are indeed being updated.  Additionally as described above, the library will benefit from any new options that have been developed as a result of RDA and other new cataloging standards and implemented for this service.

Further questions?  Would like some examples of changes provided through CNS? Give us a call at 1-800-531-7678 or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to discuss your options and provide pricing.

Written by Joan Chapa, MLS

At the recent ACIG (Authority Control Interest Group) Meeting at ALA Annual 2016 in Orlando,  Mary Mastraccio from MARCIVE, and Rosemary Groenwald from the Mount Prospect Public Library presented on genre and the direction of library data with relationship to topical vs. genre terms.  Rosemary gave some statistics and numbers for the many new LCGFT terms that have been created in the last year.  These terms replace terms (sometimes exactly, sometimes with variation) that have been topical (150) in the past. New 155 authority records are being created, and there often is an issue of the ILS being able to merge 150 to 155.  Some of the issues discussed were how to make these conversions, how to fix the bib records, and what data is already in the records that can be used to accomplish this parsing of existing data.  Mary continued with a discussion of things libraries should consider, and things that a vendor could do to move data to the new fields.  She illustrated how information currently stored in a long topical data string (genre, medium of performance, audience, creator, etc.) must be split into separate fields that will be linked to authoritative databases, depending on the type of information.  She pointed out situations in which the existing data is in conflict, and some of the issues with processing the data.

Mary’s PowerPoint presentation can be found here

If you would like more information on how we can handle genre access points for your library catalog, please send an inquiry to [email protected].  Or give us a call at 800-531-7678.

Written by Carol Love

In 2001, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) provided instructions for deconstructing MeSH subjects to conform to NLM practices.  However, this practice was not widely embraced by libraries using MeSH. Periodic surveys conducted by NLM determined that half of the libraries preferred pre-coordinated subject headings, while the other half preferred faceted headings.  As a result, NLM continued to distribute bib records with pre-coordinated headings, but used faceted terms in-house.

MARCIVE watched these developments to determine what services were desired by libraries.  Over time there was an increased interest in faceted headings so we developed a profile option for our MeSH customers.  Since October 2005 MARCIVE customers have been able to specify whether they wanted pre-coordinated or deconstructed MeSH processing.

Beginning with the December 2015 distribution of new records in CATFILE and SERFILE, NLM subject terms (MeSH) will be distributed with topical subjects recorded in 650 $a or 650 $a $x; geographic subjects recorded in 651 $a or 651 $a $x; and publication type/genre terms record in 655 $a.  In January 2016, the entire CATFILE and SERFILE databases were released with these updates made to all the records.  NLM recommends downloading the full update to have local data consistent with the NLM files.  Catalogers in other libraries are encouraged to follow the NLM practice when assigning MeSH.

How does this now affect our authorities processing customers with MeSH headings?  In December of 2015 we modified our processing to automatically deconstruct MeSH subject headings for all customers.

Example:

Old form (with string)
650 12   $a Health Policy $z Africa $v Congresses
650 12   $a Health Policy $z Caribbean Region $v Congresses
650 22   $a Cross Cultural Comparison $z Africa $v Congresses
650 22   $a Cross Cultural Comparison $z Caribbean Region $v Congresses

New form (deconstructed)
650 12   $a Health Policy
650 22   $a Cross Cultural Comparison
651   2   $a Africa
651   2   $a Caribbean Region
655   2   $a Congresses

We encourage our customers using MeSH headings to contact us with any questions or comments regarding the new format.  Your input is welcome!

Written by Joan Chapa, MLS and Mary Mastraccio, MLS.