Database Maintenance

DATABASE MAINTENANCE
(last updated 6/21/2000)

Authority Work (either prior or subsequent to bibliographic records entering local database, depending on local policy and the capabilities of the local system)

Names and subjects

Recognizes the need for heading verification based on reports of new headings from the local system

Has ability to detect conflicts between headings, and between bibliographic headings and authority records

Searches appropriate authority files and identifies correct record or verifies that none exists

Has knowledge of MARC field tags and reference links (4xx and 5xx) and their implications for the local system

Has knowledge of local policy on when authority records are required

Downloads authority records if required, or, creates them if required but not available

Refers to appropriate tools as necessary (e.g., Subject Cataloging Manual)

Consults with supervisor or other staff as appropriate for assistance in researching headings or resolving conflicts

Series

Able to distinguish when a series is new to database

Acquainted with local series tracing policy, and when to refer to policy/decision-maker for decisions

Proficient at searching local and remote authority files and identifying correct record or verifying that none exists

Well versed in field tags and reference links and their implications

Knowledgeable of the relationship between series authority tags and bibliographic series tags

Downloads authority records if required, or, creates them if required but not available

Trained to annotate record to show local practice variations ("not traced"; "classed together"; codes used, etc.)

Heading Maintenance

	Prepared to incorporate changes due to revised and new authority records, or discovered conflicts
	Competent at using local system=s authority aids
	Able to monitor changes/validity of headings as reported in sources such as Legal L.C Subject Headings Weekly Lists by Melody Busse Lembke and/or Cataloging Service Bulletin

Update Records

	Proficient in use of all searching tools within local system
	Informed about sources and definitions of all codes used in bibliographic, item and authority records
	Practiced at editing records in local database using system capabilities effectively, including field and full-screen editing, rapid or global update, move and rearrange, transfer, and overlay records
	Familiar with steps to withdraw records from local system and delete holdings symbols from bibliographic utility database
	Accustomed to read and respond appropriately to system messages and reports

	Recognizes the need for heading verification based on reports of new headings from the local system
	Has ability to detect conflicts between headings, and between bibliographic headings and authority records
	Searches appropriate authority files and identifies correct record or verifies that none exists
	Has knowledge of MARC field tags and reference links (4xx and 5xx) and their implications for the local system
	Has knowledge of local policy on when authority records are required
	Downloads authority records if required, or, creates them if required but not available
	Refers to appropriate tools as necessary (e.g., Subject Cataloging Manual)
	Consults with supervisor or other staff as appropriate for assistance in researching headings or resolving conflicts

	Able to distinguish when a series is new to database
	Acquainted with local series tracing policy, and when to refer to policy/decision-maker for decisions
	Proficient at searching local and remote authority files and identifying correct record or verifying that none exists
	Well versed in field tags and reference links and their implications
	Knowledgeable of the relationship between series authority tags and bibliographic series tags
	Downloads authority records if required, or, creates them if required but not available
	Trained to annotate record to show local practice variations ("not traced"; "classed together"; codes used, etc.)