Re: Check in/maintain/catalog serials Tarabula, Jill M. 26 Apr 2011 17:40 UTC
Hi Lisa- I was thinking the same thing, but wasn't sure what the barriers for using the ILS might have been. The initial set up of the orders and patterns is a bit time consuming, but once you have these in place, it truly is quite nice for check-in, claiming and order tracking, all in one place, while keeping your catalog holdings current at the same time. Which ILS do you have access to? We have Aleph v.18, and we are a small community college. While there are kinks, it is really quite handy compared to manual tracking or implementing a separate system. I joined our college last fall and entered orders for over 100 titles by myself because the acquisitions/serials module hadn't been implemented for anything other than check-in. Most patterns were set up by the previous tech services librarian, however some required editing because publications changed and for other various reasons. I did have to create patterns for a bunch as well. Now that it's fully activated, our clerical staff have one place to manage our periodicals collection with a few keystrokes. Patrons can check the OPAC for what we have in hand at any time and you can track your orders/claims quite easily. I won't say it's flawless, but it works quite well for our needs. Prior to this, I used the Aleph acquisitions module quite heavily at a much larger, 4 yr research institution. It was quite efficient in that it managed arrivals, tracked claims and kept the OPAC current for 7 libraries on two campuses. As Judith said, I couldn't imagine going back now that I've done things this way. Good luck whatever you decide. Drop me a line if you have any questions about Aleph if that's what you're working with. :>) Jill M. Tarabula, MLS Systems & Technical Services Librarian LeRoy M. Douglas, Sr. Library Clinton Community College 136 Clinton Point Dr. Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 562-4247 -----Original Message----- From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Koveleskie, Judith Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2011 1:21 PM To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [SERIALST] Check in/maintain/catalog serials Why resist using the ILS? I had a system similar to yours when I started here and couldn't see the advantage to setting up the module for check-in on the ILS. After I did it, I can't imagine going back. Your OPAC is instantly updated, a list of potential claims is generated, and overdue issues can be projected. I also took the "trouble" to update the cataloging using OCLC. It will take some time, but I say, "Go for it!" Judith A. Koveleskie, MLIS, MA Periodicals Librarian Seton Hill University Reeves Memorial Library 1 Seton Hill Drive Greensburg, PA 15601-1548 kovelesk@setonhill.edu 724-838-7828 This document may contain confidential information and is intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you received it in error, please contact the sender at once and destroy the document. The document may contain information subject to restrictions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Acts. Such information may not be disclosed or used in any fashion outside the scope of the service for which you are receiving the information. On 4/25/11 9:16 PM, "Lisa Pate" <lpate@UNM.EDU> wrote: >Hello everyone, > >I have just started a serials manager position in a small >academic library that currently does not use the ILS to >check in serials. We are currently using a series of >cards for each periodical/newspaper. As such, these >serials are not cataloged similarly to the rest of our >holdings. I am wondering: (1) What methods other small >libraries use to keep track of serials? (2) Is there a >better, automated method of keeping track of these serials >outside the ILS? (3) Any suggestions as to getting our >serials collection into a simpler, electronic system? > >Thank you, >Lisa Pate >Library Information Specialist II >UNM Valencia Campus Library >505-925-8992