Hello Kira,

Hope the following helps even though we used SFX rather than
SerialsSolutions or EbscoHost.

Duquesne University decided to do the same thing but we used SFX MARC
records.  We had been cataloging electronic journals into our Sirsi
system (previously into our DRA system) for about 2 years.  We were
using separate records for the EJS and including an 856 for each
database that contained the title.  We also included a holdings
statement line for each database.  We purchased SFX and the external A-Z
went live in the fall semester.  Then, for obvious reasons, we decided
to purchase their MARC records.  Putting heads together, our IT Director
put together a process whereby the SFX records would have the same look
as our cataloged records (he added fields and subfields, like an 099 and
subfield h in the 245).

We downloaded 10 titles to see how they would look, etc.  Once we were
happy with the results, all of our cataloged EJS were removed from Sirsi
and the SFX records downloaded. There were a couple of electronic
journal titles that we "moved" before the download because we needed to
keep them in the system.  After the download, I moved them back.  All
went well for us.

Right now, monthly updates are being done by the IT department. Once the
documentation is complete, this task will transfer to me.  It has a few
steps but does not seem to cumbersome.  All in all, this was a great
move for us to make.

Carmel Yurochko
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carmel Yurochko
Serials/Electronic Resources Librarian
Psychology Dept. Liaison
Duquesne University
The Gumberg Library
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
412.396-5233
fax 412.396-5639
yurochko@library.duq.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum
[mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Kira Haimovsky
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2004 12:23 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] Full Marc Records for e-journals

We are considering to subscribe to the Full MARC Records service from
SerialsSolutions (or maybe from EbscoHost, their Marc Records are much
less expensive). I am looking for comments from librarians that already
implemented this product (especially if they have Sirsi library system).
How did you prepare for it? Did you clean-up your OPAC before or after
the initial download (if you previously cataloged e-journals using print
records with 856)? Was it a messy process all together? How are monthly
updates handled, is it a lot of work? Is there something you wish you
have done differently had you known more about the process in advance?
Any do and don't tips? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Kira Haimovsky
Head, Serials & Electronic Resources Dept.
Fordham University Library
441 E. Fordham Rd.
Bronx, NY 10458
tel: 718-817-3534
fax: 718-817-3530
haimovsky@fordham.edu