[DCRM-L] Non-LC classification

[Faulds, David]

Alvan Bregman had technical problems and asked for his email below to be forward to the list. Thanks for all responses- really helpful.


At Illinois, we have used an alphanumeric shelf-mark system with great success for several years. Cataloging productivity has been greatly enhanced.  Space management is much more efficient without the constant need to interfile and shift.  The only exception occurs when we transfer in books from stacks: we just integrate these with the existing classified collection, we don't reclassify. (More usually, we send ex-stacks books to our remote storage, again, without reclassifying them.) Also, if there's room, we might shelve new variant copies or different editions together with the classified copies:  it takes no time to assign classification numbers to these.  But we do no new classification work, except for our reference collection.



Alvan


From: dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu [mailto:dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu] On Behalf Of Margaret F Nichols
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2010 9:29 AM
To: DCRM Revision Group List
Subject: Re: [DCRM-L] Non-LC classification

Hi, David (et al.)-

What an interesting idea! It does mean, though, that anytime you transfer an item from the general stacks to special collections or vice versa, the item will have to be reclassified. Presumably it will also multiply the number of different shelving locations in your own department's collections, since now there will be the LC regulars, oversize, etc. and then the alphanumeric system's regulars, oversize, etc.

Just a couple of thoughts (2 cents in value),

Margaret


Margaret F. Nichols
Head, Special Materials Unit
Library Technical Services
110 Olin Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-5301
Tel. (607) 255-3530 * Fax (607) 255-9524 * E-mail mnr1 at cornell.edu



From: dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu [mailto:dcrm-l-bounces at lib.byu.edu] On Behalf Of Faulds, David
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 10:58 PM
To: dcrm-l at lib.byu.edu
Subject: [DCRM-L] Non-LC classification

Dear list,

I'm wondering what advice other list members might have about moving away from an LC classification system to some form of alphanumeric system. The pros seem to outweigh the cons with faster cataloging, more efficient shelving and more accurate reshelving verses the loss of browsing.

So, what are the list's thoughts on making this change? Has anyone considered it and decided against it? All comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,
David.

David Faulds, Rare Book Librarian
Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
Emory University
540 Asbury Circle
Atlanta, GA  30322-2870
http://marbl.library.emory.edu<http://marbl.library.emory.edu/>

dfaulds at emory.edu<mailto:naomi.nelson at emory.edu>
404-712-2612
404-727-0360 (fax)


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