[Original posts followed by responses.
Seem there is agreement to use the online, so I'll
post no more unless there is a post to retain the
card file. ja]
From: Amy Schuler <schulera_at_ecostudies.org>
Hi there –
I’m interested in knowing what you all think of shelf lists.
Specifically, whether you keep an old-style print shelf list in
the card catalog format, or rely on an automated library system
shelf list function/print out, or some other electronic means.
Our card catalog is defunct and for a variety of reasons I prefer not
to continue filing those little cards, even for shelf list purposes
(and truthfully, it has not been done consistently over the past year
anyway). My gut feeling is that the shelf list function in our
online system works well so why bother with the cards? I look forward
to your comments.
Thanks!
Amy Schuler
Manager of Information Services
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Millbrook, NY
==#1==
From:
Joe McNeill <jmcneill_at_mail.mcneese.edu>
Amy--We did away with maintaining a shelf list when we went online
with NOTIS and are now on Sirsi. We let the online shelf list take
over that process and it has worked mostly well for us.
We have been very satisfied with this method. Also, Sirsi-Unicorn lets
us generate all kinds of reports from the system giving us statistics
and or lists by call number areas that really helps when accrediting
agencies for different academic departments need information for
reports on our holdings.
We did, however, keep the old shelf list cabinets in the catalog
department. The public card catalog was emptied of all cards which we
still use for scrap cards. We have not added a card(s) to it (the
shelf list) since 1997 and have not regreted not having it up to date.
The online version is more than sufficient.
Joe McNeill
System Administrator
Frazar Memorial Library -- http://library.mcneese.edu
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA 70609
337-475-5720
==#2==
From: "Helen P. Mack" <hpm0_at_Lehigh.EDU>
We dumped our shelflist probably 10 years ago, having discarded the
rest of the card catalog earlier than that. There are times when we
miss it, because flipping through the cards was much faster than
scrolling through screen after screen of online entries. Over all
though, we have done just fine without it, so I agree with your
thought that it is time to let go of your shelflist.
I will add that we are one of those few academic libraries that was
always Dewey and never reclassed to LC (and there are no plans to).
When we went to an online catalog, we had to "teach" the library
system vendor how to file Dewey call numbers correctly!
==#3==
From: "Lyons, Dr. Pat" <plyons_at_stjohnsem.edu>
By all means, ditch the cards!
Pat Lyons, Ph.D.
Director, Doheny Library
St. John's Seminary
5012 Seminary Rd.
Camarillo, CA 93012
805-482-2755 x1081
==#4==
From:
"Brannan, Joyce A." <jbrannan_at_uwa.edu>
We no longer maintain a card catalog shelf list. The electronic call
number by location print out works fine for every need we have had.
Joyce A. Brannan
Technical Services Librarian
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL 35470
205-652-3677
205-652-3424
==#5==
From: Smi2Mrs_at_aol.com
You have the right idea, STOP IT. The electronic report serves the
same purpose. If an item is on the list and not in the library, you
will know it. If an item is in the library and not on the list, once
checked out, you will be able to add to your collection.
Hope this helps.
Marsha Smith, MLS
Received on Fri Jul 02 2004 - 08:31:36 EDT