Library Information Services ...Helping students become Independent, Information - literate, Lifelong Learners! Department Staff

Spring Branch Independent School District Dr. Barry M. Bishop 9016 Westview Houston, TX, 713-365-5616

1) Evaluates the item and assigns a Dewey Decimal Classification that represents the relative position of the item to all the rest of the known body of knowledge.

2) Translates the bibliographic information into cataloging format.

3) Determines the subject headings (structured language searchable identifiers) and assigns them.

4) Translates all previous information into digital format (MARC record).

1. serve as district cataloger for the library automation software in all school library media centers;

2. serve as a liaison between school districts, companies, vendors, organizations, and district personnel relative to cataloging and other organizing of information;

3. train and serve as a consultant to Librarians on the cataloging of the library materials on the Library Management Software;

4. remain current in hardware and software changes as they apply to organizing information with library technology; and

5. maintain data integrity in order to serve the patron and to continue to bring to the district over $1.2 million worth of online resources through the State TLC project.

6. Assists in the organization of information on the district Library web site, including training of Librarians and teachers on the effective integration of the online resources with TEKS, classroom lessons, and Library lessons.

1. School librarianship:
Cataloging decisions need to be made in the best interest of the student. For example, deciding where a Spanish language sports book should be determined by how students will need to access the book. These skills are obtained by having worked as a school librarian.

2. Certified Librarianship:
One major role of the District Cataloger is to determining where in the universe of knowledge (Dewey Decimal System) an item fits so that its likelihood of being found when needed is increased in such a way as to maintain or improve the data integrity. This is necessary in order for the software to fulfill its function of being an assistance to patrons in finding information. Data integrity is also important when sharing the data with the legislators' highly favored TLC project statewide. The data is bibliographic information organized in a specific format called MARC. Understanding the intricacies of translating bibliographic data into cataloging and then into MARC are specific library skills. These skills are obtained by having a state-approved certification in Library Science.

3. MARC Magician Software:
The MARC Magician software is used to more easily check and create cataloging before importing the records into the Library Management System. Knowledge of the software operation and limitations and how to manipulate MARC record files are critical to optimize cataloging. These skills are obtained by attending training on the software and by having used the software.

4. Gateway Library Management Software:
The Gateway Library Management Software is the software on which the librarians’ cataloging will reside. Knowledge of the software limitations is critical when making some cataloging decisions These skills are obtained by experience and/or training on the Gateway system

5. AS/400 Hardware
The AS/400 is the hardware on which the Gateway Library Management Software operates. The more familiar with the AS/400 the District Cataloger is, the easier it will be to troubleshoot and determine if the problem is hardware, software or user. These skills are obtained by experience and/or training on the AS/400.

6. Understand the vast resources (and their organization and value) that need to be integrated into lessons for students and staff development for Librarians, students, staff, and community.

Examples of Key Duties:

Examples of Key Duties: The duties of this position include but or not limited to the following. The District Cataloger will:

1. Assists campus librarians in cataloging uniquely difficult items that do not come from the vendor cataloged. These items include foreign language materials and much of computer software, videos, and other non-book items.

2. Learns and trains the campus Librarians how to use cataloging tools, such as:
Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification
Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd Ed., revised
Children's Subject Headings Used by Library of Congress, 2 volumes
Library of Congress Subject headings, 5 Volumes, new version published each year
USMARC Format for Bibliographic Data, Including Guidelines for Content Designation, Concise
Cataloging of Audiovisual Materials and Other Special Materials: A Manual Based on AACR2 (4th Ed)

3. Stays current in national standards and passes those along to the campus Librarians.

4. Works with the Library System Administrator to be sure that bids are written so that vendors will provide MARC records that will not corrupt our data.

5. Assists with correcting MARC errors with vendors

6. Assists in maintaining data integrity in the Library Management System database by policy, procedure, monitoring, and correcting

7. Supports librarians' cataloging with consistent answers, actions, and research

8. Works with the vendor (Gateway) to upgrade system to meet librarians needs

9. Creates and implement surveys and all types of data collection

10. Represents Spring Branch ISD at state, regional and national conferences, meetings and conventions--staying current with all standards.

11. Assists in monitoring failed records (TLC)

12. Catalogs web sites for the purpose of bringing more quality resources to students and staff.

13. Teaches and supports Librarians in cataloging web sites and other information organization skills.

14. Train Librarians, Teachers, and Community members on the effective use of the vast resources available through the Internet.

15. Other items as appropriate.