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(Describe/Manage): Libraries must create detailed records that describe the library materials they own, lease, or access---during initial cataloging, maintenance, and updating over the "thing's" lifecycle. Cataloging activities or records may be initiated by Acquisitions staff and workflows for new purchases, or created and maintained by Cataloging staff. Often, "technical services" departments are responsible for prepping materials for the library- which includes creating Bibliographic, Holding, Item, and Authority records; plus actions in Shelf Prep, Bindery, Archiving, gift/Bookplating, special handling/special collections. SerialsSee . Serials, in particular, will be cataloged differently from Monographs; Electronic resources will have URLs instead of Barcodes. See multiple document types, material formats, and cataloging record/format standards. See Model.
Library Circulation
(Deliver): Libraries purchase and catalog materials for the sole purpose of making those items available to Patrons and other libraries or systems via circulation and discovery. Circulation policies are created based on time periods, borrower type, item availability, policy/rules, circ desks, locations, etc. Circulation activities can include checkout/checkin, Fast-Add cataloging, My Account Patron functions, fines/bills, patron notifications, slip printing, patron or system requests/holds, Course Reserves, InterLibrary Loans. See Model.
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(MER): variation to all of above that requires specialized negotiations/licensing agreements and workflows, purchasing, activation, pre-payment and access/cataloging for materials available electronically from 3rd party. Access for patrons is via Discovery Layer (library website) via URI/URL. Staff have to monitor access issues (technical, bad URLs for patrons) and terms (changes in agreements, addendums that can affect cost, access).
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