Cataloging Policy and Procedure Manual

Commercial Cataloging and Vendors- Amanda Washburn

Descriptive cataloging services should be used as often as possible when purchasing materials from commercial vendors.  The demands of instruction and management seldom allow the time that it takes to create quality descriptive cataloging.  It is important to follow the guidelines listed below and policies set forth in this manual to ensure both accuracy of the records and materials provided and the cost effectiveness of this service.  One must way the cost of the time needed to process new books.  The use of commercial cataloging allows for faster service for the benefit of your library patrons.

There are many reputable commercial vendors that you may choose from.  It is important to compare the selection of available books that each vendor offers to decide which would best suit the needs of your school.  It is also important to compare book prices, shipping and handling costs, and additional processing costs in order to make the best selection that also suits the media center budget.  Some commercial vendors may offer "free processing" and "free shipping".  This can be a good deal; however is it vital to compare more than one vendor before making a purchase.  In some cases, if a service is offered for free such as shipping, then most likely you will pay more for processing and vice versa for free processing.  The selection of commercial vendors can be time consuming yet it is an essential task for every library media specialist
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Essentials for Processed Books
~Electronic Catalog Record (MARC); either on CD-ROM, downloadable file from vendor’s website, or as an electronic file sent through E-mail
~Barcode label with protector
~Spine label
Prices for these services can range from $1.00 or more per book.

Additional Processed Book Materials
~Accelerated Reader labels for spine
~Have labels attached, if not too expensive
These services are added services to the essentials and will increase the price per book.