PAUL SCHAFFNER
Tasks as LRC Tech Services Librarian (Cataloger)

  1. LIBRARY TECHNICAL SERVICES

    1. Cataloging: creating an organized description of all of the library's acquisitions (books, TLC modules, kits, tapes, CDs, software, etc.) in order to make them accessible via Rosebud, the on-line catalog (OPAC). Assign subject headings and classification numbers based on adherence to the LRC's policies and usefulness to the LRC's patrons. Create and maintain shelf-list cards for all acquisitions. Perform similar tasks for the Michigan Space Center and the Technology Learning Center [May 2003 -- TLC now closed].
      • Original cataloging: create new bibliographic records for all unusual or local-interest materials, either locally (for transient materials) or in the international OCLC bibliographic database (for more permament materials). Produce both a physical card and an electronic version of each record, the former for the shelf-list, the latter for the OPAC.
      • Copy-cataloging: locate bibliographic records in the OCLC database, modify them as needed to fit the library's style and its patron's needs, and download them for uploading into the Rosebud OPAC. Produce both a physical card and an electronic version of each record.
      • Archives management: plan and create the JCC archives and JCC-history collection. Create descriptions and bibliographic records for all archival materials.
      • OCLC record maintenance: ensure that OCLC has an accurate record of LRC holdings--that new acquisitions are recorded and withdrawals are deleted--in order to facilitate interlibrary loan requests based on OCLC holdings information.
      • Bibliographic record maintenance: delete bibliographic records on Rosebud for materials that are withdrawn from the library's collection, and remove shelf-list cards for the same. Modify bibliographic records as needed (to add subject headings, for example, or useful variant titles).
      • Policy-making: establish library (and MSC and TLC) standards for bibliographic description, use of subject-headings, use of MARC fields, use of LC and Dewey classification, etc.
    2. Holdings maintenance. Ensure that every individual bar-coded item in the library is linked ("attached") to the correct bibliographic record, and is supplied with the correct information as regards circulating status, shelf location, collection, price, availability, and quantity.
      • Bar-code all acquisitions.
      • Attach holdings records for new items, suppplying correct information as above.
      • Detach holdings records for withdrawn items.
      • Modify holdings records for items for which information changes: items that move from reference to circulating collections, that go into the display case, or off the new-book shelf, or to the bindery, or are lost, etc.
      • Record and maintain acquisition (when, where, for how much) and holdings information on shelf-list cards.
      • Establish and follow policies for automatic withdrawal of individual serial items, so that older issues are removed as they become obsolete.
    3. Processing: label, cover, secure, and otherwise prepare materials for public use.
      • Direct the processing of all items received by the LRC, and the reprocessing of previously-owned items as necessary.
      • Maintain a record of every item received, showing how it was catalogued, attached, and processed, and when.
      • Mark withdrawn items for disposal.
      • Create forms, guides, documentation for processing.
      • Establish policies for labeling, shelving, etc.
      • Locate and request appropriate materials for processing and storing the library's collections.
      • Train and supervise student assistants, mostly in preparing and processing books, tapes, etc.

  2. LIBRARY CIRCULATION SERVICES

    1. Inventory: research, plan, document, and implement a periodic inventory of the library's collections. Correct all discrepancies between items and records uncovered by the process.

  3. COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT Serve as selector for materials in the following fields:

    1. Philosophy
    2. Religion
    3. Geography
    4. Fine arts / Art history
    5. Electronics, engineering, and related trades

  4. MISC.

    1. Reference: fill in at the reference desk, assisting patrons with databases, indexes, the OPAC, research questions, books and other materials, etc., at peak times or when other reference librarians are unavailable.
    2. Technology: perform occasional troubleshooting, especially on the Horizon (Rosebud) system.
    3. Web: design and create first set of web pages for the library.

pfs 29 May 2003